What causes low blood pressure and is it serious?
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS
Many healthy people simply run low, especially the young, the fit and the slim, and low numbers without symptoms are usually nothing to fix.
Low pressure matters when it causes lightheadedness, fainting, or fatigue. Common contributors are dehydration, heat, standing quickly, some medicines, and occasionally hormone or heart problems.
Sudden new low pressure with fainting, chest pain or confusion is urgent. Otherwise: fluids, slower position changes, and a medicine review at your next visit.
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If you are buying a monitor
Get an upper-arm cuff, not a wrist one, from a validated brand like Omron. Expect $30 to $60. Check the cuff size fits your arm; a too-small cuff reads high.
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General answers only go so far. A doctor can look at your numbers and history and give you a written answer about you.
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Health education, not personal medical advice. In an emergency, contact your local emergency service now.