Low Blood Pressure

Alternate Names : Hypotension

What are the treatments for the condition?

In most cases, treating the cause will correct the low blood pressure. Stopping or reducing the dose of a medication may end medication-related low blood pressure. Treating infections with antibiotics or surgery may stop low blood pressure from this cause. Giving fluids will stop low blood pressure due to dehydration. Blood transfusions may be needed to treat cases due to extensive blood loss.

Extremely low blood pressure is often treated directly to try to raise the blood pressure. This is done to prevent organ damage from lack of proper blood flow. Fluids and medications are given through an intravenous line, a tube connected to a vein in the arm or other area.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects are related to the treatments used. For example, antibiotics may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Medications used to raise blood pressure may cause irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Blood transfusions carry a risk of allergic reaction and infection.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

In cases of extensive blood loss or severe infection, death may occur if treatment is delayed or ineffective. Permanent organ damage may occur with severely low blood pressure. This may cause a person to be disabled. In other cases, such as those due to medications, stopping the medication cures the low blood pressure and no further treatment is needed.

How is the condition monitored?

Blood pressure can be rechecked as often as needed. Symptoms can also be monitored. Blood and other tests may be used to monitor for organ damage from very low blood pressure. Other monitoring depends on the cause. For example, a person with diabetes is advised to monitor blood sugar levels regularly.