If blood pressure is permanently decreased to values below 100/60 mmHg, hypotension (decreased blood pressure) (synonyms: essential hypotension; hypotension; hypotension; orthostasis; orthostasis syndrome; orthostatic dysregulation; orthostatic dysregulatory disorder; orthostatic hypotension; orthostatic circulatory distress; orthostatic regulatory disorder; orthostatic collapse; positional hypotension; ICD-10-GM I95.-: Hypotension).
The first, higher value in the indication of a blood pressure reflects the systolic blood pressure. This is caused by contraction of the ventricles, which pump blood into the arteries. The second, lower value represents the so-called diastolic blood pressure, which occurs when the heart muscle relaxes. When blood pressure is too low, there can be an insufficient supply of blood, and therefore oxygen, to the heart, brain and other vital organs.
Forms of hypotension:
- Primary (essential) or constitutional hypotension.
- Secondary or symptomatic hypotension
- Orthostatic hypotension – this is a disturbed regulation of blood pressure (see below “Medical Device Diagnostics/Orthostasis Test (Schellong Test)”).
Frequency peak: orthostatic hypotension occurs in up to about 30% of older people (> 65 years). Overall, young women and the elderly are most commonly affected. Hypotension also occurs in pregnant women, even more frequently than hypertension. The hormonally induced dilatation of the veins is considered to be the cause.
The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in the 65+ age group is 25% (in Germany).
Course and prognosis: Low blood pressure in itself is not a disease! Many people have low blood pressure without feeling any symptoms. If one feels well, despite blood pressure values below 100/60 mmHg, this is no reason for alarm. However, if symptoms such as visual disturbances, vertigo (dizziness) or even syncope (brief unconsciousness) occur, a visit to the doctor becomes necessary. Severe hypotension can lead to a tendency to collapse or falls. Measures such as a high-salt diet, adequate hydration, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy (drug treatment), if necessary, are combined in the setting of primary hypotension.