Hypotension (low blood pressure) has various potential causes and types, including:
Orthostatic Hypotension: This occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly when a person moves from a sitting or lying position to a standing position. Common causes include dehydration, medication side effects, and autonomic nervous system disorders.
Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH): This type of hypotension is often associated with fainting (syncope) and can result from an abnormal reflex response that causes blood pressure to drop during certain activities or situations.
Postprandial Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure after eating, which can affect some people, especially the elderly.
Severe Infections: Serious infections can lead to septic shock, a condition characterized by dangerously low blood pressure.
Hypotension Due to Heart Problems: Certain heart conditions, such as heart failure or bradycardia (slow heart rate), can result in low blood pressure.
Medications: Some medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, may inadvertently cause low blood pressure as a side effect.
Dehydration: A loss of fluids from the body can result in low blood pressure.
Anaphylaxis: A severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure.