Hypotension

Hypotension is a medical term that refers to abnormally low blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels and is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), with two numbers; systolic pressure over diastolic pressure (e.g., 120/80 mmHg). Hypotension is usually defined as a blood pressure significantly below the normal range, which would be a systolic pressure below 90 mmHg or a diastolic pressure below 60 mmHg. However, it's important to note that what constitutes "low" can vary from one individual to the next. In some cases, low blood pressure might be the result of an underlying condition and can lead to insufficient blood flow to the organs, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases, shock.

Not all instances of hypotension are cause for concern, as some individuals naturally have lower blood pressure without any signs or symptoms. It only becomes problematic when it results in inadequate blood flow to the body's tissues. Hypotension can occur for a variety of reasons including dehydration, prolonged bed rest, nutritional deficiencies, heart problems, endocrine disorders, severe infection, or blood loss. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or managing contributing conditions. Certain forms of hypotension may require immediate medical attention, such as in the case of shock, to prevent organ damage and other complications.