Hypotension

Hypotension

Hypotension refers to abnormally low blood pressure, especially in the arteries of the systemic circulation. A patient is considered hypotensive if he/she has a systolic blood pressure less than \(\text{90}\) millimetres of mercury (\(\text{mm Hg}\)) or diastolic pressure being less than \(\text{60}\) \(\text{mm Hg}\).

However, in practice, blood pressure is considered too low only if noticeable symptoms are present, such as feeling light-headed. If the blood pressure is sufficiently low, fainting and often seizures will occur. Severely low blood pressure can deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a life-threatening condition called shock.