Low blood pressure (hypotension) is mainly characterised by dizziness and listlessness. Hypotension can have various causes. There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of hypotension.

 

 

Age. With increasing age, the communication between the brain and heart decreases, which sometimes results in reduced blood flow. This phenomenon usually occurs from the age of 65. Diseases such as orthostatic hypotension are also usually related to age. The disease causes the heart to be unable to provide sufficient blood supply to the body after prolonged sitting, for example, and the blood accumulates in the legs. This causes the blood pressure to drop rapidly.

 

Medication. Certain medications to slow the heartbeat or lower high blood pressure, such as diuretics and vasodilators, can cause low blood pressure. Diuretics flush water out of the tissues, thereby lowering blood pressure. Vasodilators dilate the blood vessels, causing the blood to flow more slowly.

 

Illness. Parkinson's disease and diabetes increase the risk of hypotension. Diabetes often damages the nervous system and results in physical dysfunction.

 

Pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman's blood circulation expands. This usually leads to hypotension. The blood travels a longer distance and has to nourish a growing embryo with oxygen. A pregnant woman's blood pressure drops an average of 5 to 15 points in both systolic and diastolic values.

 

Eating disorders. In eating disorders such as bulimia, the heartbeat is reduced due to dehydration caused by vomiting. The body is also deprived of electrolytes, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and even heart failure.

 

These are the most common risk factors of low blood pressure. Low blood pressure can cause strokes, kidney failure and fainting, so it is important to see a doctor if symptoms such as dizziness or drowsiness occur more frequently.