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Low blood pressure
Ebony, July, 2006
Q Since so much attention is being paid to high blood pressure, what about low blood pressure? How serious is it when blood pressure is determined to be too low? What are the symptoms?
G.E., Washington, D.C.
A Blood pressure is determined to be low when it causes symptoms due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Doctors say normal blood pressure should be lower than 120/80, and they point out that most blood pressures don't drop below 90/60.
If blood pressure is too low, it can cause lightheadedness or dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat and headache. Research indicates that when the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs-brain, heart, kidneys--the organs don't function properly and may experience permanent damage.
It's important, medical experts say, to have your blood pressure checked, not just when you are sitting, but also when you are lying down and standing up. If there is a large fall in blood pressure when you stand, seek further testing.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
