Low Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Low Blood Pressure?
A primary care doctor, such as an internal medicine doctor, often checks low blood pressure first. If a heart problem is the cause, you may see a cardiologist, a doctor who treats heart disease. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is low blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, means blood flows through your blood vessels at lower than normal pressure.
If your blood pressure reading is 90/60 or lower, you have low blood pressure. Some people have low blood pressure all the time. They have no symptoms, and the low readings are normal for them.
Other people have a sudden drop, or low blood pressure linked to a health problem. That can be dangerous, because the heart, brain, or other organs may not get enough blood flow. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness, fainting, or in extreme cases, shock.
Symptoms
For many people, low blood pressure goes unnoticed. Others may have these symptoms:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Feeling tired, weak, or sleepy
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Some people have symptoms when they stand up too quickly. If you have symptoms, sit or lie down right away. Then raise your feet above heart level.
Causes and who gets it
Many body systems help control blood pressure, including organs, hormones, and nerves. Problems with the autonomic nervous system, such as in Parkinson disease, can cause low blood pressure.
Other causes include:
- Dehydration, which means not drinking enough fluids
- Blood loss from an injury
- Heart problems, such as heart failure or arrhythmias (an irregular heartbeat)
- Nerve damage from diabetes or other disorders
- Pregnancy
- Medicines for high blood pressure, depression, or Parkinson disease
- Alcohol, anti-anxiety medicines, and painkillers
Orthostatic hypotension means your blood pressure drops when you move from lying down to standing. Neurally mediated hypotension most often affects young adults and children. It can happen after standing for a long time.
Severe low blood pressure, called shock, can come from sudden blood loss, severe infection, heart attack, or a severe allergic reaction.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will examine you and check your vital signs, such as pulse and blood pressure. The doctor will ask what medicines you take and whether you have fainted.
A blood pressure test is used to diagnose low blood pressure. Other tests may include blood, urine, or imaging tests. A tilt table test may be used if you faint often. An electrocardiogram (ECG), a heart test, may also be done.
Treatment
You may not need treatment for low blood pressure. A healthy person with low blood pressure and no symptoms often does not need it. Otherwise, treatment depends on the cause and your symptoms.
Treatment for low blood pressure after standing up too quickly may include:
- Drinking more fluids to treat dehydration
- Changing or switching a medicine that causes low blood pressure, as your provider directs
- Wearing compression stockings, which keep blood from collecting in the legs
Do not stop taking any medicines before talking to your provider. Follow your doctor's instructions.
People with neurally mediated hypotension should avoid triggers, such as standing for a long time. Drinking fluids and eating more salt may help, but talk to your provider first. In severe cases, medicines may be prescribed.
Shock is a medical emergency. Low blood pressure can usually be treated with success.
When to see a doctor
Call 9-1-1 if you notice signs of shock in yourself or someone else. These signs are cold and sweaty skin, rapid breathing, a blue skin tone, or a weak and rapid pulse. Also call 911 if you pass out, have chest pain or discomfort that lasts two minutes or more, or have trouble breathing. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR.
Call your provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Black or maroon stools
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C)
- Irregular heartbeat
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can check your blood pressure, review your medicines, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is low blood pressure dangerous?
It depends. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness, fainting, or in extreme cases, shock. Some people have low readings all the time and no symptoms. A sudden severe drop can be life threatening if it is not treated right away.
What blood pressure number counts as low?
A reading of 90/60 or lower is low blood pressure. A reading uses two numbers. The first is the pressure when your heart beats. The second is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
Can medicines cause low blood pressure?
Yes. Alcohol, anti-anxiety medicines, certain antidepressants, painkillers, and heart medicines can lower blood pressure. Heart medicines include those used to treat high blood pressure. Do not stop taking any medicines before talking to your provider, and follow your doctor's instructions.
What should I do if I feel dizzy from low blood pressure?
You should sit or lie down right away. Then raise your feet above heart level. Sitting down may relieve the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Low blood pressure (Medical Encyclopedia)
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Low Blood Pressure
- MedlinePlus - Low Blood Pressure
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
