Friday, September 27, 2013

EMERGENCIES ALL SHOULD KNOW:HYPOTENSION(LOW BP)

HYPOTENSION(LOW BP)

Hypotension is generally considered systolic blood pressure less than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or diastolic less than 60 mm Hg. However in practice, blood pressure is considered too low only if noticeable symptoms are present.For many people, excessively low blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting or indicate serious heart, endocrine or neurological disorders.
 
Severely low blood pressure can deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a life-threatening condition called shock. If the blood pressure is sufficiently low,fainting and often seizures occur.
Low blood pressure can be caused by low blood volume, hormonal changes, widening of blood vessels, medicine side effects,anaemia, heart problems or endocrine problems.Reduced blood volume, is the most common cause of hypotension. This can result from bleeding; insufficient fluid intake, as in starvation; or excessive fluid losses from diarrhea or vomiting. Hypovolemia is often induced by excessive use of drugs like diuretics,alpha blockers,beta blockers,nitrates,anti-depressants etc.

 Low blood pressure may also be attributed to heat stroke.It is also seen in heart failure,sepsis etc.Ortho-static hypotension, also called postural hypotension, is a common form of low blood pressure. It occurs after a change in body position, typically when a person stands up from either a seated or lying position.
Neurocardiogenic syncope is related to vaso-vagal syncope in that both occur as a result of increased activity of the vagal activity.Evaluation of neuro cardiogenic syncope is done with a tilt table test.


Hypotension also is commonly seen in old age people when they get up (repeatedly) to pass urine (prostate related)  in night time.They should get up and walk in stages so that there is enough time for body to compensate and maintain BP in old age.

Hypotension is also seen in some pregnant woman with gravid uterus and big baby due to compression of major vein in supine position.This can be avoided by lying in lateral position with tilt to left side.


The treatment for hypotension depends on its cause. Chronic hypotension rarely exists as more than a symptom. Asymptomatic hypotension in healthy people usually does not require treatment. Adding salt to a diet can relieve symptoms of mild hypotension. A morning dose of coffee can also be effective. In mild cases, where the patient is still responsive, laying the person in dorsal decubitus (lying on the back) position and lifting the legs increases venous return, thus making more blood available to critical organs in the chest and head.
Volume resuscitation,Blood pressure support with  vaso-pressor drugs,antibiotics,steroids etc.

more in blog:

BRONCHOSPASM
FOREIGN BODY(AIRWAY)
EPISTAXIS
HYPOGLYCEMIA
ACUTE PAIN ABDOMEN
HAEMETEMESIS
THROMBOSED,PAINFUL PILES
ACUTE TUBULAR NECROSIS
PARAPHIMOSIS
TESTICULAR TORSION
TRAUMA
RENAL COLIC
PRIAPISM
ACUTE URINE RETENSION
SEVERE PALLOR
ABSCESS
ANIMAL BITES
POISONING
BURNS
SEIZURES
PARALYTIC STROKE
ANY PREGNANCY RELATED EVENT
SUDDEN LOSS OR IMPAIRMENT OF VISION
SUDDEN HEAD ACHE AND VOMITING
HIGH GRADE FEVER
NON-RESPONSIVENESS
VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR
SUDDEN CALF PAIN
SEVERE BREATHLESSNESS


1 comment:

  1. Thanks for sharing the information about the low BP . People have need to change his life style . take low diet and keep walking . Erectyle dysfunction treatment,Male Sexual Problem Treatment,Male Sexual Disorder Treatment

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