Hypotension facts for kids
Hypotension is the scientific word for low blood pressure. When someone has low blood pressure, they are called hypotensive.
Everyone's blood pressure is a little different. For most adults, blood pressure is considered low if the top number (called systolic) is below 90, or the bottom number (called diastolic) is below 60.
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What are the signs of low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure is not always a problem. But it can be serious if it causes certain symptoms. Here are some signs that low blood pressure might be dangerous:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- Fainting, which doctors call syncope.
- Feeling dizzy or fainting when you stand up quickly. This is called orthostatic hypotension. It means your blood pressure is too low to get enough blood to your brain when you stand.
- Having pale, cold, or sweaty skin. This is a sign your body is trying hard to fix a problem.
- Being unable to think clearly or focus.
- Feeling sick to your stomach, also known as Nausea.
- Feeling very tired or sad.
- Feeling very thirsty. This often happens if low blood pressure is caused by dehydration, meaning you haven't drunk enough fluids. Your body tells you to drink more.
- Breathing quickly and shallowly. This means your body isn't getting enough blood and oxygen, so it tries to breathe faster to get more oxygen.
What problems can low blood pressure cause?
If low blood pressure makes a person faint, they could get hurt from falling.
If someone's blood pressure is very low, their heart might not be able to pump enough blood and oxygen to important parts of the body. Every part of your body needs blood and oxygen to work. Without enough blood and oxygen, important organs like the heart and brain can be damaged.
How is low blood pressure treated?
First aid for low blood pressure
If someone feels dizzy because of low blood pressure, they should lie down on the ground. It also helps to put their feet up or bend their knees. This makes it easier for blood and oxygen to reach the brain. Lying down also stops them from getting hurt if they faint.
Medical treatment for low blood pressure
Doctors can treat low blood pressure by finding out what is causing it.
- Sometimes, low blood pressure is caused by dehydration. This can be treated by eating more salt, drinking more fluids, or (in serious cases) getting fluids through a needle in a vein. This is called Intravenous therapy.
- If low blood pressure is caused by medicines, doctors can change those medicines to ones that don't lower blood pressure as much.
- There are also medicines that can increase blood pressure. They work by making it harder for blood vessels to relax. When blood vessels relax, blood pressure goes down. So, if they can't relax as easily, blood pressure goes up.
Related pages
- Blood pressure
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
See also
In Spanish: Hipotensión para niños
