Low Blood Pressure: Why It Matters And How To Treat It

Welcome to Talking with Docs! In this episode, our special guest Dr. Heffernan, a renowned cardiologist, sheds light on low blood pressure, or hypotension. Dr. Heffernan explains what is considered low blood pressure, its causes, symptoms, and potential health risks. Tune in to discover how low blood pressure is diagnosed and treated, and learn how to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Hypotension, commonly known as low blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is lower than normal. Specifically, hypotension is defined as a systolic pressure (the higher number) of less than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or a diastolic pressure (the lower number) of less than 60 mm Hg. Hypotension can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, and can be caused by a variety of factors including dehydration, blood loss, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.

Medical emergency
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General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

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[Kiki-reads]

I love when y’all joke around, really lowers the “tension” in the room.

[rayspencer]

I am 73, and for over 10 years my BP averaged 90/65. I would get dizzy if I stood up too fast. I was a vegitarian and did not use salt for seasoning. My cardiologist ( I had a quadruple bypass in 2008) suggested I try lightly using some salt. I started salting a hard boilded egg each morning. My BP is now 110/70, and I no longer get dizzy. Something to think about.

[karinlester]

I’ve had super low PB all of my life. On the thin side and have borderline low blood sodium levels. If I get up too fast I will be dizzy. Recently I have been told by doc to drink electrolytes along with water. Nice to have the same advice from you guys!

[cardmonty]

Oh, it matters! In late 2021 I had a BP of 90/40. My Cardiologist at the time dismissed it. I went to get a 2nd opinion. It turned out I was in Heart Failure due severe aortic insufficiency due to a 5mm hole in one of my leaflets of my congenitally defective bicuspid (supposed to be Tricuspid) aortic valve. I had aorta valve replacement surgery with a bovine valve. It has been almost a year since surgery. Good thing I went and got a 2nd opinion because my heart was starting to dilate. Get a 2nd, or even a 3rd opinion if you’re worried. The only symptom I had was blurred vision in my right eye late at night.

[DarVilZ]

Thank you, I almost passed out in the gym today and I was getting a bit worried, but this information helps.

[shirleyschutt]

My blood pressure runs around 78/48 I was just in the hospital with low blood pressure. I was dehydrated. When I heard you say about Gatorade I thought that was interesting. I will keep some in the house. Thanks for sharing this.

[lorig]

The lowest my blood pressure went was 50/33. Thankfully I was already in the ER and and had an IV in for meds to bring it up

[onlyinparadise]

Brad & Paul are the Canadian version of Bob & Brad, “the two most famous physical therapists on the internet!” 😆

[itgirlmiyuki]

I was really sad and on the verge of crying because I'm in my 20s and I feel like an 80 year old grandma. Your jokes really cheered me up..thank you

[lenoraberendt]

This was such great information! My pressure hovers around 100/70, 100/60. During hot weather I’m prone to dehydration and have had several instances where I became lightheaded and nearly passed out.
Happy to learn that lowerish pressure is not serious in my case. Just have to pay attention to fluid intake. Thank you, Docs!

[annemarie]

Mine is usually in the 70s over low 50s for decades (I’m 53). My GP said it’s nothing to worry about and just means I’ll live forever. He told me to drink coffee and eat salt if I was concerned about it.

[yooperlooper]

My BP runs around 130/60 during the day but before bed when I'm meditating it drops to around 117/55, 56. I'm 74 and have been working out w/aerobics and weight training for 45 years. No dizzy spells, feel fine but I do notice that dehydration CAN make a difference.

[noreenn]

I'd like to hear an endocrinologist's take on low BP.

[whatmotivatedyou]

Very interesting topic! Thanks for the amazing information docs 🙏

[judygreeneRedheadbeauty]

My last few days of Bp have been 82/48, 77/41, an afternoon of dizziness and severe nausea, next day 83/55, 76/42, today 84/51, 80/49. I’ve called my dr. My usual is 90/68.

[wisdomwisdom]

Thank you all for your services to humanity, God bless you

[sharon]

Thank you for your light hearted video. I failed grade 9 twice, but got a university degree in real esate. So failing grade 4 is not so bad. You became doctor and learned your lesson quickly. Lol. I didn't realize I was suffering from depression at the time. Grateful and great you joked about it. Congratulations Doctor.

I'm 75 and have hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism and hypertension, anxiety plus a great deal of stress. Last 2 days low blood pressure 90/60, dizzy and feel like fainting. Have to lay down immediately. Then get to fridge for food and drink some water. Has happened before and my doctor is not concerned as he doesn't think that is not that low.
Hard to manage all 3 but grateful I'm not a diabetic. Won't be taking my high blood pressure meds tonight and have a snack ready for low blood sugar.

[todddunn]

I have a chronic leukemia. When my white count was getting on the high side (100K+) my blood pressure started dropping. When it got down to 85-90/55 or so my hematologist/oncologist told me to use more salt on my food. That helped. What turned my blood pressure around was getting treatment for the leukemia. During treatment my BP started rising and topped out in the 120-130/70-75 range. Now, five years later the leukemia is coming back and my blood pressure is dropping again, so I am adding more salt to my diet.

[chany]

💖💖💖 thanks for a good video. i have low bp my whole life, all the dr dismissed it, but I'm still living with theses symptoms every day, even when i increased my salt in take, tired of it 😥

[javediqbal]

I am 58. Felt pain right over the heart. Went to the clinic. BP 60/50. Took some juice and after one hour BP was 90/60. Now I feel better and No pain. Any advice would be appreciated.