Someone experiencing fatigue and low blood pressure should see a doctor.
Low blood pressure and fatigue often occur together and can be a sign of a serious medical condition. In some cases, hypotension or low blood pressure can be a direct cause of fatigue. In other cases, both are symptoms of an underlying condition.
Hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops to an abnormally low level. Normal blood pressure ranges vary from individual to individual, and no specific threshold defines low blood pressure, but some medical professionals use 90 systolic and 60 diastolic as a general reference. When any of the measures falls below these markers, further investigation may be necessary.
Blood pressure is the force exerted on the walls of blood vessels as blood circulates through the body.
However, chronically low blood pressure is not a cause for concern, unless it is associated with other symptoms. Low blood pressure and fatigue are signs that a more serious condition may be present. Other common signs include inability to concentrate, lightheadedness or dizziness, dehydration, depression, blurred vision, nausea, rapid breathing, and cold or clammy skin. When any combination of these symptoms occurs, a visit to a healthcare professional is recommended.
The causes of low blood pressure and fatigue range from trivial to fatal. Orthostatic or postural hypotension is caused by getting up too quickly from a reclined position and can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, or possibly fainting. Also, prolonged bed rest can cause these symptoms. Dehydration reduces blood volume, which lowers blood pressure. Eating can draw a significant amount of blood into the stomach, again reducing the volume and pressure of blood in the major vessels.
Another possible cause of low blood pressure and fatigue is pregnancy. During early pregnancy, a woman’s circulatory system is stretched to nourish the baby. Blood flowing through a longer network causes a reduction in pressure. In the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, blood pressure usually drops about 10 points and returns to previous levels after delivery.
Certain medications also lower blood pressure. Antidepressants, beta-blockers, diuretics, erectile dysfunction medications, and some Parkinson’s disease medications have an effect on blood pressure. Narcotics and alcohol can amplify this effect.
Some causes of hypotension are much more serious. Shock, whether caused by blood loss, an allergic reaction, or sepsis, causes a rapid and severe drop in blood pressure and is fatal. Immediate emergency care is needed for people who are in shock or experiencing severe trauma.
Some medical conditions are less obvious but can also be dangerous. Heart problems such as bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate, will cause blood to circulate too slowly, which will lower blood pressure. Thyroid disease and other endocrine problems can also affect blood pressure. Each of these conditions requires medical attention.
