Is there a danger in having low blood pressure?

[Anonymous]

I have always had low blood pressure, not crazy low but low enough that the nurses always smile and comment on how low it is. Usually maybe 110/90 or something? The last time I went in, my blood pressure was 100/80 (I'm estimating, but I remember that bottom number was 80). That actually got a sucking whistle from the nurse... I'm 40, 5'7 and 130 lbs. I get lightheaded a lot from standing up too quickly (normal, I'm told). My family all has high blood pressure, both sisters are actually taking meds for it but they are also 50 lbs overweight...

Is there such a thing as too low, or is that just aka "shock" or "dead"?

[Anonymous]

I also have low blood presure. At times I do get light headed and dizzy, especially if I stand up too quickly. Oxygen isn't getting pumped through your body at the rate a normal person gets it. It can cause lots of issues. You might want to ask the dr about it.

[Anonymous]

It used to be said that normal blood pressure was 120/80. Normal is now considered 112/80. I don't know why the change took place, but I have read signs in the Dr's office.

[Anonymous]

My blood pressure has always been super-low my entire life (I'm 41)--usually something like 100/70 or even 65. Having the lower number be 80 doesn't seem that low to me. I've asked my internist at physicals whether I should be concerned and the answer was no; in the absence of other issues, low blood pressure is good, not bad. I also get the lightheadedness, but the doctor said that is nothing to worry about if it's occasional. HTH.

[Anonymous]

Actually a Diastolic pressure of 90 is high.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure

[Anonymous]

IF it's too low, you faint.

[Anonymous]

It is not uncommon for my BP to be 90/65. Its low.

Low blood pressure in and of itself is not a problem, and I've never been "treated" for low bloodpressure. The common side effects are fainting/dizzy spells... and I do get those. I gave blood only once, and almost immediately passed out. I was told I probably shouldn't be giving blood anymore. Some people can have problems when they stand up too fast, or don't eat enough, etc. I don't generally have problems standing up too fast... but I will get queasy/light headed if I don't eat regularly.

But in short, I wouldn't worry about it. I think its a far preferable "problem" to have than high blood pressure.

[Anonymous]

I've always gotten approving looks when I've had my blood pressure taken, too. The only time low blood pressure was a problem was when I was pregnant. Apparently blood pressure goes down during pregnancy anyway, and that was enough for me to pass out anywhere, any time. I once fainted driving. (I made it to the side of the road but just barely.)

[Anonymous]

Mine is lower than yours and the doctor wasn't concerned. She said it is common in petite women (I am 5'2'', 100 pounds). It can be a sign of anemia though, so can be worth having it checked.

[Anonymous]

OP here: I was guessing at the bp I quoted... I can't remember how low, but I do know it was low at the time so if 80 is normal, it wasn't 80 but it's not worth calling the nurse to look at my chart to satisfy my curiousity!

I've never heard of any ill effects either but I've stopped asking over time. Like a PP, I also pass out after giving blood. I simply cannot give whole blood, but I can give platelets. I went into shock while delivering once, and I wasn't bleeding anywhere. I hate that feeling of slipping out of consciousness.

It does sound like low bp really isn't a "problem". Maybe the only issue would be ppl with low bp might survive blood loss less (surgery, etc) than normal ppl but that's purely a guess.

[Anonymous]

I often wonder about accuracy when my BP is taken. I have reason to do so because when I was pregnant with my son and developed pregnancy induced hypertension that later turned into Pre-eclampsia, according to the nurse my BP went from being 150/95 to 90/60 . Now that was crazy.

[Anonymous]

if it's too low you'll faint.

unless you're not feeling well it's not a problem.
different from high blood pressure that there's no symptoms when it's above average.

[Anonymous]

mine is usually about 90/60 and the only downside, so far, is that i pass out EVERY TIME i vomit (lovely). the cardiologist i saw said if it is too low they will put you on meds to keep it up, but otherwise it really isn't anything to worry about.

[Anonymous]

I've had low blood pressure all of my life, and I'm 39. I've fainted about 20 or 30 times in my life, at some very inconvenient times, and quite unexpectedly. I've been through many tests (usually after a recent fainting spell), and nothing ever comes up. My cardiologist told me he gets young women in all the time with the same problem, and tests them for serious heart problems. When the tests come back normal, as mine did, he said **eat a lot of salt**. Yes, you hear that everyone else should cut salt out of their diet because it's unhealthy - but it's not unhealthy for you. It helps raise your blood pressure and can prevent fainting spells and lightheadedness.

Other than the fainting, I've had no other problems besides getting altitude sickness when I go skiing on high mountains. There's less oxygen at high altitudes, so mix that with low blood pressure, and you are going to feel dizzy or faint.

[Anonymous]

I am exactly the same as the PP. I have low bp, and doctor says I should give in to any salt cravings. I faint a lot and also get the tests done here or there and nothing comes up. If I am sick, overly stressed, or in pain, I am likely to faint. Also during my period or in heat. I have learned the warning signs and try to get a cool wash cloth ASAP and eat something salty and some juice. It is a real pain with small children though, especially if you are a bit under the weather. I taught my child about 911 at an early age. So, bottom line, doctors say no need to medicate, but watch diet and know your warning signs for fainting. My BP went below 50 when I was pregnant and it was scary.