Low Blood Pressure: Medications & Health Risks
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is defined as a reading of less than 90/60 mmHg. When blood pressure is too low, vital organs, especially the brain, may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Certain medications can cause low blood pressure.
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What Is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too low. What’s low for one person might be normal for someone else. Sometimes it causes no noticeable symptoms, but other times it may lead to dizziness and fainting. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
Both high and low blood pressure can cause serious health problems. Low blood pressure can strike suddenly and may be caused by your medications.
When getting a new prescription, inform your pharmacist about all your medications and supplements to prevent low blood pressure interactions. This includes vitamins, over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications. Always read the medication label and accompanying information for potential side effects.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood against arteries as the heart pumps it through the body. Regular checks involve comparing two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure, represented by the top number in blood pressure readings, is the force when the heart is contracting. Diastolic pressure, represented by the bottom number, is when the heart is resting.
Hypotension occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too low. Causes range from medical conditions to medications and lifestyle factors.
- Blurred Vision
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Lifestyle adjustments like increased hydration and dietary changes can help, but medical intervention may be necessary for severe cases or when hypotension is symptomatic of other health issues.
Medications That Can Cause Low Blood Pressure
Several medications can lower your blood pressure, including, but not limited to, drugs used to treat high blood pressure, beta-blockers and some antidepressants.
- Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil)
- This is a prescription medication to treat high blood pressure.
- Cialis (tadalafil)
- Tadalafil is an erectile dysfunction drug. The risk is especially high when taken with nitroglycerin heart medication.
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- This is a serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant.
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- This widely used generic diuretic can treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.
- Inderal, Innopran XL and other versions of propranolol
- These beta-blockers may be prescribed to treat high blood pressure.
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Furosemide is used as a strong diuretic to treat excessive fluid accumulation caused by congestive heart failure, liver failure and other conditions.
- Levodopa
- Levodopa is usually prescribed to patients with Parkinson's disease when symptoms are difficult to control with other anti-Parkinsonism medications.
- Minipress (prazosin) and other alpha blockers
- Alpha blockers are used to treat high blood pressure. They keep the blood vessels open and relaxed, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
- Mirapex (pramipexole)
- Pramipexole is a Parkinson’s disease drug.
- Tenormin (atenolol)
- Atenolol is a beta blocker.
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- These include Silenor (doxepin) and Trofranil (imipramine). Tricyclic antidepressants affect brain chemicals to ease depression symptoms.
- Valsartan and other blood pressure drugs in the sartan family
- Sartans are used to treat patients with high blood pressure and certain heart or kidney diseases by blocking the action of angiotensin II.
- Viagra (sildenafil)
- Sildenafil is an erectile dysfunction drug. The risk of low blood pressure is especially high when taken with nitroglycerin heart medication.
“Medications like beta-blockers, which include brands such as Metoprolol and diuretics like Furosemide, are common culprits of low blood pressure,” Sazan Sylejmani, owner and pharmacy manager at Westmont Pharmacy in Westmont, Ill., told Drugwatch. “To mitigate these risks, you should regularly monitor your blood pressure at home and have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider to adjust dosages if necessary.”
If you experience low blood pressure symptoms while taking these medications, consult your doctor. Don’t adjust or stop your medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.
“Balancing medications that may cause low blood pressure involves a careful review of your overall health plan,” Sylejmani said. “For example, pairing blood pressure-lowering medications with exercises known to elevate heart rate can help stabilize blood pressure levels.”
Low blood pressure can also be caused by advanced age, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart ailments and narcotics use. It is essential to always seek guidance from your healthcare provider before discontinuing or adjusting the dosage of any medication.
What to Do if You Experience a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure
“Severe indications of low blood pressure can include feeling lightheaded, losing consciousness, having trouble seeing clearly and feeling disoriented,” Dr. Andrew Youssouf, a board-certified emergency medicine and addiction medicine physician, told Drugwatch. “If these present themselves, it is recommended to lie down with elevated legs and seek medical assistance as soon as possible.”
- Cool Down
- If you're overheated, drink water somewhere cool. Heat causes blood vessels to expand, which can lower blood pressure.
- Drink Some Coffee
- Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure. If you feel a drop coming on, a cup of coffee might help, though its effectiveness varies from person to person. However, keep in mind that excessive caffeine consumption may contribute to dehydration.
- Hydrate
- Drinking water can quickly help raise your blood pressure. Staying well-hydrated improves blood circulation and can prevent drops in blood pressure.
- Lie Down and Go Slow
- If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, change your position slowly. If you're standing, sit or lie down immediately. If you're already sitting, place your head between your knees. If lying down, elevate your legs. This helps blood flow back to your heart and brain, reducing the risk of fainting.
- Reduce Stress
- Stress and anxiety can cause blood pressure to drop. Practice deep breathing exercises to calm yourself and stabilize your blood pressure.
- Use Counterpressure Techniques
- To increase blood pressure, try tensing your muscles. Squeeze a stress ball, make a tight fist or cross your legs and squeeze them together. These actions help push blood back to your heart.
- Wear Compression Garments
- If you frequently experience low blood pressure, consider wearing compression socks or stockings. They help improve blood circulation by preventing blood from pooling in your legs.
“Simple measures like rising slowly from sitting or lying positions and consuming smaller, more frequent meals can also prevent drastic drops in blood pressure,” said Sylejmani. “Regular, moderated exercise can help improve overall cardiovascular health, thus assisting in the management of low blood pressure.”
Experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure can be alarming. While feeling dizzy can be uncomfortable, the bigger concern is preventing fainting and potential injury. Seek medical attention immediately if you have persistent or severe symptoms, such as fainting, confusion or a rapid, weak pulse. Record your symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Health Risks From Low Blood Pressure
Left untreated, severe low blood pressure can result in serious — even life-threatening — complications.
- Shock
- If blood pressure plummets too low, vital organs may not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients, leading to shock. This life-threatening condition necessitates prompt medical attention.
- Organ damage
- Sudden, severe drops in blood pressure can harm the heart, brain and other organs.
- Falls
- Low blood pressure can trigger dizziness and fainting, potentially leading to falls and injuries related to falls, such as fractures or concussions.
- Heart problems
- Low blood pressure can prompt the heart to compensate by beating faster or harder, potentially resulting in heart issues or stroke.
- Postprandial hypotension
- This sudden decrease in blood pressure may occur after eating, causing dizziness and fainting.
- Vision loss
- Low blood pressure can lead to blurred vision or hearing impairment, which can be hazardous, particularly while driving.
Unless you are experiencing adverse symptoms, low blood pressure rarely requires treatment. If you have low blood pressure, your doctor can help you determine if treatment is necessary.
Editor Lindsay Donaldson contributed to this article.
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