Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is where blood pressure in your arteries is abnormally low.

It's usually the case that the lower your blood pressure, the healthier you are. 

Naturally low blood pressure is unlikely to cause any symptoms and is normally nothing to worry about. However, if your blood pressure drops too low, it can restrict the amount of blood flowing to your brain and other vital organs, which can cause fainting or dizziness and lightheadedness.  

See your GP if you experience any symptoms of low blood pressure and are concerned.  

All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. If you haven't had yours measured or don't know what your reading is, ask your GP to check it.

What is low blood pressure?

The heart pumps a constant supply of blood around the body through arteries, veins and capillaries.   

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood on the walls of the arteries as the blood flows through them.

It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two measurements:

• systolic pressure: the pressure when your heart beats and squeezes blood into your arteries
• diastolic pressure: the pressure when your heart rests between beats 

For example, if your systolic blood pressure is 120 mmHg and your diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg, your blood pressure is 120 over 80, which is commonly written as 120/80.

A blood pressure reading below 130/80 is generally considered normal. If you have a reading of 140/90 or more, you have high blood pressure (hypertension), which puts you at greater risk of developing serious health conditions, such as heart attack or stroke.

People with a blood pressure reading of around 90/60 or less are usually regarded as having low blood pressure.

Why do I have low blood pressure?You can have blood pressure for many reasons, including the time of day, age, the temperature, any medication you may be on, an injury and some illnesses. Find out more about the causes of low blood pressure.

Treatment and self-help

Naturally low blood pressure does not usually need to be treated unless it is causing symptoms such as dizziness or recurrent falls. If it is causing you to have symptoms, your GP will look at what the cause might be.

There are various things you can do to help limit symptoms of low blood pressure, including:

• standing up gradually
• wearing support stockings 
• avoiding caffeine at night and limiting your alcohol intake
• including more salt in your diet
• eating smaller meals, more often

Find out more about treating low blood pressure.