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Hypotension
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- Hypotension is a condition in which the blood pressure (an index of the body's circulation system) falls below what is considered to be normal. Blood pressure is a relative term that may vary with the patient's age (e.g., lower in infants, 80/40 millimeters of mercury), underlying medical condition, levels of stress, activity, medications and environment.
- Blood pressure below 90mmHg systolic or 60mmHg diastolic (a drop in blood pressure) that results in symptoms such as dizziness, fainting (especially upon standing), cold extremities and pallor of skin, all point to Hypotension. However, a person may have normal, Low Blood Pressure without any symptoms, thus requiring no treatment except for observation.
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- Shock
- Dehydration, Diarrhea, hemorrhage, Diabetes Insipidus, Burns, adrenal insufficiency
all lead to a reduced intravascular volume
- Cardiac pump failure as seen in Myocardial Infarction, constrictive Pericarditis etc.
- Suddenly changing positions from supine to standing (Orthostatic Hypotension-a drop
>20mmHg systolic).
- Neurological disorders and diseases such as Parkinson's, Diabetes Mellitus, peripheral Neuritis and tabes
dorsalis
- Medications -- diuretic,
antihypertensives, sedatives
- Neurally mediated Hypotension occurs during prolonged periods of standing in warm weather, and can also be brought about by emotional stress.
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- Treat underlying cause -- replace the lost fluids and blood
- Assure adequate amounts of salt
- Stop the offending medication
- Stand up slowly, especially elderly individuals
- See individual diseases for further details
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