What are the signs and symptoms of hypotension?
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Dr. William D. Knopf of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:The signs and symptoms of hypotension are as follows:
Orthostatic hypotension
The signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension may happen within a few seconds or minutes of standing up after you've been sitting or lying down. You may feel that you're going to faint, or you may actually faint. Signs and symptoms include:
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach
These signs and symptoms go away if you sit or lie down for a few minutes until your blood pressure adjusts to normal.
Neurally mediated hypotensionThe signs and symptoms of neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) are similar to those of orthostatic hypotension. They occur after standing for a long time or in response to an unpleasant, upsetting, or scary experience.
The drop in blood pressure with NMH doesn't last long and often goes away after sitting down.
Severe hypotension linked to shockIn shock, not enough blood flows to the major organs, including the brain.
The early signs and symptoms of reduced blood flow to the brain include lightheadedness, sleepiness, and confusion. In the earliest stages of shock, it may be hard to detect any signs or symptoms. In older people, the first symptom may only be confusion.
This answer from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. William D. Knopf.
The signs and symptoms of hypotension are as follows: Orthostatic hypotension The signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension may happen within a few seconds or minutes of standing up after you've been sitting or lying down. You may feel that... More -
Deb Cordes of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Hypotension means low blood pressure. You may run a low blood pressure and experience no signs or symptoms. If you begin to experience any of the following symptoms it may mean that your blood pressure is too low and you will need to seek medical attention. The following signs/symptoms may be experienced if your blood pressure is too low. Nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, pale and clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, a feeling that you might pass out or faint.Hypotension means low blood pressure. You may run a low blood pressure and experience no signs or symptoms. If you begin to experience any of the following symptoms it may mean that your blood pressure is too low and you will need to seek medical... More -
In general, hypotension (low blood pressure) is only considered a problem when symptoms develop. Symptoms may be persistent or they may only occur when a person stands for extended periods of time, stands up after sitting or lying down, or after a person eats. If blood pressure drops suddenly, it is often a sign of a life-threatening medical condition, and the person should immediately be taken to the nearest hospital.
Common symptoms: Common symptoms of hypotension include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, pale skin, and fatigue. Individuals should be taken to the nearest hospital if they faint or lose consciousness, have difficulty breathing, or experience nausea. These may be signs of a serious medical problem.
Additional symptoms: Depending on the underlying cause, additional symptoms may also be present. For instance, if a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is causing symptoms, additional symptoms may include itching, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.
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In general, hypotension (low blood pressure) is only considered a problem when symptoms develop. Symptoms may be persistent or they may only occur when a person stands for extended periods of time, stands up after sitting or lying down, or after... More
