Dangerously low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension, is generally defined as a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mm Hg. However, the critical factor is not just the number but whether low blood pressure causes symptoms or complications
. Key points about dangerously low blood pressure:
- Threshold: Blood pressure under 90/60 mm Hg is considered low
- When it becomes dangerous: Low blood pressure is dangerous if it causes symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, confusion, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, or heart palpitations
- Severe cases: Extremely low blood pressure can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition where organs do not get enough blood. Signs of shock include cold, clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, confusion, and loss of consciousness. This requires immediate emergency medical attention
- Sudden drops: A rapid fall in blood pressure (e.g., from 110 mm Hg systolic to 90 mm Hg or lower) can cause symptoms and be dangerous, especially if caused by bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions
- Orthostatic hypotension: A drop in blood pressure upon standing can cause dizziness and fainting and is common in older adults
- Individual variation: Some people have naturally low blood pressure without symptoms and do not require treatment
Summary: Blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg is low, but it is considered dangerously low when it causes symptoms or leads to shock. Immediate medical care is needed if symptoms of shock or severe hypotension occur. References from the search results:
