A sudden drop in blood pressure is usually noticeable by the onset of dizziness, tremors, sweating and nausea. Causes and course of the disease can be manifold.
What is a drop in blood pressure?
In addition to measuring blood pressure, the doctor often checks the pulse to get an overall picture of the blood circulation. The clinical picture is also called acute hypotension. Tonus is the blood pressure and hypo- means “below measure”. An uncontrolled drop in blood pressure happens when, for reasons to be explained in more detail, the brain is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen. Dizziness, trembling, ringing in the ears and flickering eyes are the first signs. Circulatory collapse, fainting or shock symptoms are the more severe cases. As a calculated variable, blood pressure is considered normal within a certain pressure range. The two blood pressure values that are determined are diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The former is measured in the relaxed heart. The latter measures the pressure when blood is expelled from the heart. In acute hypotension, blood pressure drops from an acceptable blood pressure range to a much lower value.
Causes
The term “blood pressure drop” includes a variety of different forms. The individual causes are consequently manifold. The most common form is exhaustion due to physical overwork combined with lack of rest and insufficient fluid balance. This results in an insufficient blood volume with simultaneously disturbed overall function. Vascular resistance is reduced and blood return to the heart is insufficient. A drop in blood pressure can be the result or side effect of a medication taken. In this case, a reduced blood return flow to the heart occurs. Food can also be causally responsible. Certain incompatible foods can cause a drop in blood pressure. More common, however, is food intolerance leading to anaphylactic shock. Furthermore, hypotension can be caused by excessive dieting. The drop in blood pressure may further be the result of an illness or accident. Physical or mental illness should receive attention as possible causes. Physical could be acute blood loss, intestinal obstruction, varicose veins, heart failure, stenosis, embolism and other diseases. In heart failure or valvular insufficiency, the result is reduced pumping function of the heart. Psychologically, the sudden drop in blood pressure could result from anxiety symptoms. It may also accompany a manic-depressive disorder. Psychosomatically, it could be a symptom of burnout. In the beginning state of burnout, the patient works beyond the limit despite exhaustion. As a result, a drop in blood pressure is possible. A hormonal problem can also be the cause of a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
In the course of a drop in blood pressure, there is an accelerated heart rate. The increased pulse causes symptoms such as restlessness, nervousness, or shortness of breath. Dizziness may also be a sign of a drop in blood pressure, as the circulatory system is disturbed by the drop in blood pressure. In severe cases, affected individuals may collapse, and in particularly severe cases, fainting may occur. The rapid drop in blood pressure causes the body temperature to drop, especially in the extremities. Patients often become cold. Accordingly, trembling may be another symptom. A marked pallor is also considered a possible sign. In addition, patients with a drop in blood pressure find it difficult to concentrate. Due to the dizziness and increased pulse, there are concentration problems, which also affect the ability to drive. Symptoms also include fatigue. In addition, those affected often suffer from headaches. These regularly occur in a pulsating manner. The drop in blood pressure can also be felt in the sensory organs. This can occasionally lead to visual disturbances, in particular blackness in front of the eyes, and a buzzing or whistling in the ears. If the blood pressure is not regulated, there is a risk of hypotension, i.e. a blood pressure that is constantly below the normal range.
Diagnosis and course
A blood pressure monitor should be applied to establish the diagnosis.A blood pressure below what is considered physiological, 110 mmHg in systolic pressure, is called hypotension. This is the pressure from the outflowing heart. At below 90/60 mmHg, the drop in blood pressure is considered dramatic. Diagnosis without a meter is based on symptoms of sweating, tremors, eye flickering, lightheadedness in the head, and ringing in the ears. Without a meter, the pulse is felt at the carotid artery. The course of the disease depends on the underlying disease and the general condition of the patient. It also depends on the immediate help that is provided. In some circumstances, a drop in blood pressure can be life-threatening.
Complications
A drop in blood pressure has very many different causes, which have many complications. For example, this occurs when the position of the body changes from lying to standing. As a complication, this can cause dizziness, which can lead to a fainting spell, where the risk of injury, in particular, is very high. Craniocerebral trauma is the most feared injury and can even be life-threatening. Typically, a severe drop in blood pressure occurs as part of a shock. This results in a shortage of blood supply to important organs, so that they can die and fail. In particular, the kidney and the lungs are to be mentioned. Depending on the type of shock, further complications arise. In anaphylactic shock, there is also usually severe swelling of the airways, so that the affected person suffers from severe shortness of breath. Cardiogenic shock can occur as a result of a heart attack, which can quickly turn into cardiac death if left untreated. Otherwise, it leads to chronic heart failure, which carries the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. In general, arrhythmias can also lead to a drop in blood pressure. Atrial fibrillation, for example, causes blood clots to form in the atrial region, which can break loose and then lead to pulmonary embolism or stroke. Ventricular fibrillation, if left untreated, usually leads directly to sudden cardiac death.
When should you see a doctor?
The complications of a drop in blood pressure depend on its cause. If the low blood pressure is due to overwork or malnutrition, a change in body position often results in severe dizziness or even fainting. In these cases, there is an increased risk of injury to the affected person. In the event of a fall, bone fractures or skull injuries cannot be ruled out. Almost always, the patient must expect bruises and hematomas. In addition, fainting spells due to low blood pressure often occur spontaneously and can take the patient by surprise even in particularly dangerous situations. If, for example, a patient holds a glass in his or her hand during a fall, there is a risk of serious cuts, which, if they affect the face, can even lead to disfigurement. A fainting spell on stairs, escalators or at the wheel of a vehicle is life-threatening for the affected person and those around him. If the drop in blood pressure is the result of anaphylactic shock, the affected person’s life is also in danger. In this disorder, there is often severe swelling of the airways and severe shortness of breath. A circulatory collapse with cardiac arrest is also possible. In addition, the drop in blood pressure may be due to a severe heart condition, which, if left untreated, also usually leads to death.
Treatment and therapy
Depending on the severity of the acute drop in blood pressure, immediate treatment must be given. If the affected person is responsive and in otherwise good general condition, place the legs higher than the head. If the drop in blood pressure is dramatic, the shock position or stable lateral position is recommended. In the shock position, blood is returned to the upper half of the body through the raised legs. If the victim faints, he should be placed in the stable lateral position. In the event of fainting or a severe drop in blood pressure, a doctor should be called immediately. Appropriate medication can be used to stabilize the blood pressure again. In any case, the long-term measure is to eliminate the underlying cause. If the cause can be avoided, this is indicated, i.e. advised. The most effective remedy for a sudden drop in blood pressure is successful treatment of the underlying condition. A good, gentle therapy can be regular cardiovascular exercise.In consultation with the doctor should carry the necessary medications, which are taken when necessary. Therapeutically, yoga and breathing exercises have relevance in this disease. By practicing regular relaxation exercises, stabilization of the cardiovascular system can be achieved. Regular walks and fitness training are also advised.
Outlook and prognosis
An existing drop in blood pressure is not an independent clinical picture, but often merely a symptom of a serious underlying disease. For this reason, it is very difficult to explicitly predict how the disease will progress. Affected individuals who suffer from a sudden drop in blood pressure will experience a significant feeling of dizziness, and this can lead to falls and injuries. Furthermore, severe nausea or even vomiting may occur. In the case of a particularly severe drop in blood pressure, up to 600 milliliters of blood can flow into the lower part of the body. The brain of the affected person is briefly supplied with too little blood, so that a fainting spell can occur. If a drop in blood pressure that occurs is left entirely without treatment, the prospects of recovery on one’s own do not look very good. This is usually due to serious underlying diseases that make medical treatment indispensable. Cardiac insufficiency or cardiac arrhythmias are often the causes of a sudden drop in blood pressure. If such an underlying condition is present, medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible. Prompt treatment favors a quick and complete recovery. Otherwise, permanent damage may remain or even death may occur.
Prevention
Regularity and moderation appear to be important factors. This means eating regularly and drinking enough fluids. A healthy balanced diet is important. Attention should also be paid to adequate, regular sleep. Alcohol consumption, nicotine and intoxicants are to be avoided. If the sudden drop in blood pressure results from a stressful situation, moderation should also be observed. Psychological care could help to find the appropriate balance between tension and relaxation.
Follow-up care
Blood pressure drop is n usually caused by an underlying disease. Regular follow-up examinations are mandatory, otherwise dangerous and serious consequences or complications may occur. Follow-up care for treatment of hypotension is usually simple and straightforward. It is important to always follow the doctor’s instructions. You should follow a strict diet plan and adopt certain diets that maintain blood pressure, this is helped by specially prepared diet plans, which you can get from a qualified nutritionist. Value is particularly attached there to a balanced nutrition. Fast assistance in the acute case provides for example a glass lemon juice with salt or sugar, which brings the blood pressure immediately again in swing. Another aftercare measure is regular walks, which stimulate the circulation and distribute the blood evenly in the veins. If even blood circulation cannot be achieved by walking in the air alone, compression stockings can help to regulate and even out the pressure of the blood in the body. What is still an important measure for aftercare in affected people is the best possible renunciation of alcohol. Caffeine, on the other hand, is helpful because it stabilizes blood pressure. If these things are observed in the aftercare of blood pressure drop, the chances of improvement or even complete absence of symptoms are very good.
Here’s what you can do yourself
A drop in blood pressure can be counteracted with various home remedies and self-measures. As a first measure, however, should go with blood pressure fluctuations to the family doctor to clarify the causes and exclude serious diseases. If an undersupply is the cause, it is usually sufficient to drink enough and to replenish the body’s mineral stores with a healthy, balanced diet. A glass of lemon juice with a little salt and sugar promises rapid improvement. A long walk can also boost blood pressure naturally. In the longer term, blood pressure fluctuations can be counteracted by endurance sports. If blood pressure suddenly drops, the legs should be elevated above heart level.In the long term, compression stockings and suitable medications against blood pressure fluctuations help. Those affected should also temporarily avoid alcohol and other stimulants. Only caffeine can temporarily stabilize blood pressure, but should be avoided in cases of serious cardiovascular disease. More effective are natural remedies such as Kneipp watering or applications of mistletoe and heart cockle herb. Teas made from clove, citrus, coriander, tansy or Icelandic moss also help with a drop in blood pressure. If the problems persist despite everything, a doctor should be consulted. If serious circulatory problems or fainting occur as a result of a drop in blood pressure, emergency medical services should be called.
