Job Hazards

Low Blood Pressure

For athletes and people that strive to stay physically fit, low blood pressure is actually a sign of good health. However, in some cases, low blood pressure can signal the presence of a serious medical problem.

People with low blood pressure, or hypotension, may faint or feel dizzy. Low blood pressure can denote the presence of serious heart, endocrine, or neurological disorders. When blood pressure is at a dangerously low level, the brain and other essential organs may experience a shortage of oxygen and nutrients, causing a lethal state known as shock.

Low Blood Pressure Risk Factors

Aside from athletes and those dedicated to staying in shape, nonsmokers and people who watch what they eat also tend to have low blood pressure. Even if you appear to be healthy, the American Heart Association has identified a number of risk factors related to low blood pressure that may affect you. These include:

• Pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Heart problems
• Endocrine problems
• Dehydration
• Blood loss
• Severe infection
• Allergic reaction
• Nutritional deficiencies

Low Blood Pressure Symptoms

People with low blood pressure could be in top physical form, have strong cardiovascular systems, and be very resistant to heart attack and stroke. But, hypotension may indicate the existence of hidden complications, particularly when blood pressure abruptly falls or is accompanied by the following irregularities:

• Dizziness or wooziness
• Passing out
• Inability to focus
• Blurry vision
• Nausea
• Cold, moist, pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Exhaustion
• Despair
• Thirstiness