What is hypotension?
A person with hypotension has abnormally low blood pressure. The first number of the blood pressure reading represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart pushes blood into the arteries: this is called the systolic pressure. The diagnosis of low blood pressure includes a systolic blood pressure that is less than 90. In a person with high blood pressure, hypotension may be present when the systolic blood pressure is much lower than usual. Common causes of hypotension include dehydration, a drug side effect, or postural hypotension. Hypotension may also occur in a person who has a life threatening condition, such as a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of hypotension?
Symptoms of hypotension may include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, weakness, breathing difficulty, palpitations, and chest pain.

How does the doctor treat hypotension?
The treatment for hypotension depends upon the underlying cause. Treatment for hypotension may include oral fluids, intravenous fluids, support stockings, a change in medication, or a change in medication dosing.