Low blood pressure, arterial hypotension, hypotension (ancient wool. hypó - under, low and lot. tensio - voltage) - more than 20% of the initial / normal values ​​of blood pressure or in absolute numbers - 90/60 mm wire. ust. is said to fall from. The drop in blood pressure can be acute or chronic.

 

Acute arterial hypotension (collapse, shock) usually occurs in cardiac dysfunction, excessive blood loss, dehydration, and quickly leads to hypoxia of the brain and internal organs. Thus, acute hypotension is always a complication of certain diseases or external influences, and there are always clear causes that need to be considered in treatment.

Chronic arterial hypotension in contrast to the acute form is caused by completely different causes. In people with low blood pressure, its regulation is usually impaired, and the real causes are of a different nature.

Patients with low blood pressure do not have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than those with high blood pressure, so standards and methods for treating chronic hypotension are not yet well developed. However, the quality of life of hypotonics (patients suffering from low blood pressure) can be very low due to constant weakness, headaches, decreased activity, and other symptoms.

Classification of arterial hypotension (hypotension)

The following types of arterial hypotension are distinguished:

• Acute hypotension;
• Chronic arterial hypotension:
  • Primary chronic arterial hypotension;
  • Secondary chronic arterial hypotension;

Acute symptomatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure). For example, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary artery embolism, severe arrhythmias, intracardiac blockades, allergic reactions, blood loss, etc. are accompanied by very low pressure. This condition requires urgent medical attention.

Physiological (chronic) hypotension observed in well-trained athletes and in cases of hereditary predisposition to low blood pressure that does not exceed the norm.

Primary (idiopathic or essential) hypotension - it is an independent disease. According to one theory, primary hypotension is a specific form of neurosis-like disease of the cerebral vasomotor centers, and a very large role in its development may be attributed to long-term psychoemotional tension and stress.

Secondary arterial hyptonia other diseases (eg, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, ulcers, anemia, hepatitis, pancreatitis, cystitis, tuberculosis, rheumatism), arrhythmias, alcoholism, diabetes, diseases of the endocrine system or respiratory system, tumors, shock, brain injuries, liver cirrhosis, mental trauma, circulatory disorders, heart failure, intoxication, side effects of certain drugs (e.g., their peridosis in the treatment of hypertension), and so on.

Factors influencing the development of arterial hypotension

A drop in blood pressure can develop due to starvation and a lack of vitamins E, C, B and pantothenic acid (B5).

Hypotension is also observed in healthy people, such as athletes who engage in regular physical activity. This is called “exercise hypotension”. In this case, the drop in blood pressure serves as a way to protect the body. It turns out that when there is a constant tension, the body begins to work in a "saving" mode, the heart rate slows down and blood pressure decreases.

This may also be due to the fact that when blood pressure drops, a person adapts to sudden changes in climate and weather conditions. In addition, the pressure level is affected by high humidity, the effects of electromagnetic fields, radiation, and so on.

Usually low blood pressure is associated with a violation of vascular tone. Normally, blood vessels should narrow and dilate quickly when needed, but this reaction is slowed in hypotonic patients. Therefore, the blood suddenly stops flowing in sufficient amounts to the organs and tissues. As a result, body systems and organs, especially the brain and heart, experience oxygen starvation and are unable to function in an optimal mode.

Some doctors explain the decrease in venous vascular tone by the body's innate tendency to hypotensive reactions.

Causes of low blood pressure

Depending on the shape, the causes of low blood pressure may be:

• In experienced athletes (physiological hypotension);
• In adaptation to high altitude conditions (physiological hypotension), as well as hot sex, tropical and subtropical (in these cases, a decrease in blood pressure may be associated with excessive sweating);
• A sharp decrease in circulatory volume (bleeding, burns);
• Heart failure;
• Decreased vascular tone (anaphylactic shock, septic shock);
• Brain and spinal cord injuries;
• Chronic fatigue in chronic insomnia, stress, depression and other states of apathy and depression due to neurosis, psychological trauma, imbalance of rest and working hours;
• Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person suddenly wakes up from a long lying or sitting position;
• Sepsis;
• Disorders of the normal functioning of the endocrine system.

At rest, a drop in blood pressure to the level of even hypotension is usually considered a separate hypotonic type of somatoform vegetative dysfunction of the heart and cardiovascular system, but it can also be a manifestation of panic disorders and other neuroses and mental disorders. Secondary chronic arterial hypotension is observed in cases of brain injury, thyroid, decreased adrenal function, increased intracranial pressure. A decrease in blood pressure can also be observed during pregnancy, which is characterized by a decrease in vascular tone.

Signs and symptoms of low blood pressure

Symptoms of low blood pressure may include:

• Weakness, drowsiness;
• Nervousness;
• Sensitivity to climate change;
• Emotional instability, indifference;
• Dispersion, memory impairment;
• Weakness in the early morning;
• Excessive sweating;
• Disorders of thermoregulation (swelling of the hands and feet);
• Sensitivity to climate change;
• Shortness of breath and a strong heartbeat during exercise;
• Pale discoloration of the patient;
• Headache of a transient, expanding, or pulsating nature, usually in the forehead-temporal areas;
• Dizziness;
• Predisposition to motion sickness, nausea.

It is also possible to faint when blood pressure drops. Often this occurs in hot and humid rooms, as well as on public transport, especially when in a hypotonic upright position.

When blood pressure is low, it leads to daytime drowsiness and nighttime insomnia (sleep and sleep rhythm disturbances), which in turn exacerbates fatigue and weakness. Hypotonics require more sleep than usual: 6-8 hours, not 8-12. They wake up with difficulty in the morning, but do not feel refreshed even after a long sleep.

What to do when blood pressure drops?

If the patient feels a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting, he should assume a horizontal position or sit up and place his head on his knees. Massaging the neck can improve blood flow to the brain. It is not recommended to drink alcohol to raise blood pressure. First aid can be done by putting the patient to bed, giving him fresh air, tapping his face. Immediately after that it is necessary to call an ambulance.

Treatment and prevention of hypotension

A healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent a drop in blood pressure. This means eating a rational diet, exercising, resting and getting vascular strengthening treatments (massage, contrast shower, hydromassage, swimming).

Stresses should be avoided. It is important to enjoy life, to feel needed and integral in life and in the family. For hypotonics, negative emotions often become a factor in causing a sharp and strong drop in blood pressure.

It is recommended to independently monitor blood pressure levels and undergo regular preventive examinations at a cardiologist. Your doctor may prescribe medications (adaptogens, alpha-adrenomimetics, analeptics) to raise your blood pressure.