Blog Post

If you have hypotension, you may experience dangerous symptoms. Low blood pressure can even be life-threatening if it’s not diagnosed and treated properly. 

But the potential risks don’t have to keep you up at night. With a better understanding of the condition and proactive monitoring with your doctor, hypotension doesn’t have to take over your life. 

You'll receive fast and friendly emergency care from experienced providers at Houston Medical ER. Our board-certified physicians and RNs provide medical evaluations with onsite labs and radiology in a warm environment. We make urgent care easy with two convenient locations in Houston and Spring, Texas.

What is hypotension?

Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, is a serious condition that can cause harmful and painful issues if left untreated. It occurs when the force of the blood on your artery walls is too low. This leads to an inadequate flow of oxygen-enriched blood getting to your organs.  

With hypotension, your cells don’t get enough oxygen, leading to fatigue, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Long-term problems caused by low blood pressure include lack of concentration and depression. 

If you have these symptoms for a few days, visiting a doctor for testing and treatment is essential. Never ignore persistent signs of hypotension.

Signs and symptoms of low blood pressure

We want you to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypotension so you can receive medical attention quickly. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Dehydration or unusual thirst
• Blurred vision
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Cold, clammy skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing

Besides these physical symptoms, nausea or confusion may indicate low blood pressure. It can become a serious health issue if left untreated for long periods. If you experience any of these low blood pressure symptoms, visit Houston Medical ER right away.

How to prevent hypotension 

An effective way to prevent hypotension is to ensure that you eat a healthy and balanced diet, get regular physical activity, and stay properly hydrated. 

A diet full of plenty of fruits and vegetables will supply your body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Exercise helps to improve circulation throughout the body. Some medications, like fludrocortisone, boost blood volume, which could also be beneficial. 

What to do if you experience hypotension symptoms

To help you stay aware of when you might be experiencing hypotension, look out for feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness, blurry vision, rapid heartbeat or palpitations, nausea, fatigue or lack of energy, and clamminess or a cold sweat. 

If you notice any combination of these symptoms and suspect it might be due to low blood pressure, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. You can raise your head above your heart by propping it on a pillow. Lie down with your feet higher than your heart, drink water, and rest until the feeling passes. 

Seeking medical attention for hypotension

If left untreated, hypotension can lead to severe consequences, such as a decreased oxygen supply to vital organs. This could result in little to no energy and organ damage. 

Consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions causing negative effects. Seeking medical attention early helps diagnose and treat low blood pressure while preventing further complications.

Keeping your blood pressure in check is important for overall health and well-being. It can help you avoid serious medical conditions like heart disease and stroke. Remain aware of the dangers of hypotension and make lifestyle changes to help keep your blood pressure in check.

Houston Medical ER is committed to the health care needs of our community. We offer 24-hour emergency services for any potential health issues related to hypotension. Visit us anytime or call to make an appointment.