Low blood pressure in elderly

• But low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying problem — especially in the elderly — where it may cause inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is almost never serious.

Symptomatic low blood pressure in the elderly can be very dangerous because it raises the risk of a fall. At its most extreme, it can lead to shock and even death. This article explains the basic facts about blood pressure, including how it’s measured and what the measurements mean.

How is low blood pressure treated in the elderly?

Treatment Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting salt in your diet because sodium can raise blood pressure , sometimes dramatically. Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension . Wear compression stockings. Medications.

What is low blood pressure for 80 year old?

Normal blood pressure in adults is less than 120/ 80 mmHg. Low blood pressure is a reading below 90/60 mmHg. Most forms of hypotension happen because your body can’t bring blood pressure back to normal or can’t do it fast enough, says the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

What is low blood pressure a sign of?

Heart problems : Among the heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are an abnormally low heart rate (bradycardia), problems with heart valves, heart attack and heart failure . Your heart may not be able to circulate enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

What happens when your blood pressure drops to 70 over 40?

In most people, blood pressure isn’t too low until it causes symptoms such as lightheadedness or fainting. However, 70 / 40 is a rather low reading, and could definitely cause the need to sit down or feel a little lightheaded.

What is the lowest blood pressure that is safe?

Current guidelines identify normal blood pressure as lower than 120/80 mm Hg . Types of low blood pressure Low blood pressure on standing up (orthostatic or postural) hypotension). Low blood pressure after eating (postprandial hypotension). Low blood pressure from faulty brain signals (neurally mediated hypotension).

Can you have a heart attack with low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure that causes an inadequate flow of blood to the body’s organs can cause strokes, heart attacks , and kidney failure. The most severe form is shock. Common causes of low blood pressure include a reduced volume of blood , heart disease , and medications.

What causes very low blood pressure in the elderly?

It can also be related to pregnancy, strong emotions, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), or diabetes. The elderly are particularly affected, especially those who have high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Hypotension after meals is a common cause of dizziness and falls after eating.

When should you go to the ER for low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure is defined by a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower, but a reading this low isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. It becomes a concern if you start to exhibit symptoms of dizziness , shortness of breath, or fainting ; if this happens, you should seek medical attention.

What if your blood pressure is 80 60?

As a general guide, the ideal blood pressure for a young, healthy adult is between 90/ 60 and 120/ 80 . If you have a reading of 140/90, or more, you have high blood pressure ( hypertension ).

What can you do if your blood pressure is too low?

How to raise low blood pressure Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can sometimes lead to low blood pressure . Eat a balanced diet. Eat smaller meals. Limit or avoid alcohol. Eat more salt. Check your blood sugar. Get your thyroid checked. Wear compression stockings.

Can low blood pressure make you tired?

Having a lower blood pressure is good in most cases (less than 120/80). But low blood pressure can sometimes make you feel tired or dizzy. In those cases, hypotension can be a sign of an underlying condition that should be treated.

Is blood pressure 90 50 too low?

Normal blood pressure for adults is generally in the range of 90 / 50 to 120/ 90 mm Hg . Hypotension is an abnormally low blood pressure , usually below 90 / 50 mm Hg. In severe or prolonged cases, it can be a serious medical condition.

At what blood pressure should you go to ER?

Hypertensive emergency is when your blood pressure is over 180 (top) or 120 (bottom). It is a real life-threatening emergency with impending target-organ-damage (TOD) in the heart, brain, kidney, and large blood vessels.

Why is it bad if blood pressure is too low?

Low blood pressure that reduces the blood supply to your body’s organs can cause stroke, kidney failure or heart attack. Understanding how to treat and prevent low blood pressure is important for your cardiovascular health.

Why does my blood pressure drop when I stand up?

When you stand up , gravity causes blood to pool in your legs and abdomen. This decreases blood pressure because there’s less blood circulating back to your heart. Normally, special cells (baroreceptors) near your heart and neck arteries sense this lower blood pressure .