Blood pressure is an important vital sign that reflects the efficiency of the circulatory system in delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs. Although high blood pressure receives considerable attention, low blood pressure can also affect health and daily activities, particularly when accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or persistent fatigue. Understanding Low Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. It is expressed as two measurements: systolic pressure, when the heart contracts, and diastolic pressure, when the heart relaxes. Blood pressure is generally considered low when the reading falls below 90/60 mmHg. However, the severity of the condition cannot be determined by the reading alone. Some individuals naturally have low blood pressure without symptoms, whereas a sudden decrease accompanied by symptoms may indicate a health problem requiring assessment. Causes and Contributing Factors Low blood pressure can result from changes in blood volume, the heart’s ability to pump blood, or the resistance of blood vessels to blood flow. Common causes include dehydration due to insufficient fluid intake, vomiting or diarrhea, blood loss, and certain cardiac and endocrine disorders. Some medications, including diuretics and certain blood pressure medications, may also contribute. Blood pressure may decrease during pregnancy, upon standing up suddenly, or after eating in some individuals. Severe hypotension may be associated with emergencies such as major bleeding, severe infection, or anaphylaxis. Symptoms and Health Effects Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, general weakness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes fainting. These symptoms occur when blood flow to the brain and other organs becomes insufficient. Dizziness or nausea alone is not enough to diagnose low blood pressure, as these symptoms may have various causes. Measuring blood pressure and interpreting the reading alongside symptoms and medical history are therefore essential steps in assessment. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Diagnosis involves measuring blood pressure and reviewing medications and symptoms. Additional investigations may be required to identify the underlying cause. Treatment varies according to the condition. Low blood pressure without symptoms may not require treatment, while other cases require management of the cause, such as fluid replacement or medication adjustments under medical supervision. Helpful measures include standing up slowly, drinking an appropriate amount of water, avoiding prolonged standing, and eating smaller, more frequent meals when symptoms are associated with eating. Medication doses should not be changed, and salt intake should not be increased, without medical advice. Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Intervention Low blood pressure becomes an emergency when accompanied by loss of consciousness or signs of shock, such as cold and sweaty skin, confusion, rapid breathing, and a weak, rapid pulse. These signs require immediate medical assistance. Awareness of the causes and symptoms of low blood pressure supports appropriate management and highlights the importance of medical assessment when symptoms recur or blood pressure drops suddenly, helping maintain healthy circulation and protect vital organs. Almustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq