If your blood pressure is naturally low, it's unlikely that it will cause you any symptoms or require treatment.
However, low blood pressure can sometimes mean that there is not enough blood flowing to your brain and other vital organs, which can lead to symptoms such as:
- dizziness
- fainting (a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness)
- lightheadedness
- blurred vision
- a rapid, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- confusion
- feeling like you are going to be sick (nausea)
- general weakness
If you experience the symptoms of low pressure after changing positions, such as standing up, it is known as postural, or orthostatic, hypotension.
The symptoms should only last for a few minutes as your blood pressure adjusts to your new position. This type of low blood pressure tends to affect people more as they get older, when it can lead to more frequent falls. Similar symptoms may also occur after exercise.
If you experience symptoms after eating, it is known as postprandial hypotension and occurs more often in older people, particularly in those who have high blood pressure or conditions such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes.
After a meal, your intestines need a large amount of blood for digestion. If your heart rate does not increase enough to maintain blood pressure, your blood pressure will fall, causing symptoms. See your GP if you notice any.
