Skip to main content

June 15, 2026

What can cause low blood pressure?

Janki Patel, NP

Medically reviewed by:
Janki Patel, NP

If you are dealing with low blood pressure, it is essential to identify the underlying cause. There are several factors that can cause blood pressure to drop too low.

What is low blood pressure?

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure that the blood puts on the arteries in the body.1 It is measured in millimeters of mercury and is broken down into the systolic and diastolic components. The systolic component measures the highest blood pressure, whereas the diastolic component measures the lowest pressure. Blood pressure considered normal or average is 120/80 mmHg.1

Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension.2 If your blood pressure is lower than 90/60 mmHg, it is considered to be low. If you have low blood pressure, it means your blood vessels are subjected to less pressure as blood flows through them. While some people may naturally have low blood pressure and not experience symptoms, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of low blood pressure, especially if it is not in your normal range and/or if the low blood pressure is causing symptoms.

Causes of low blood pressure

There can be several causes of low blood pressure. If you experience low blood pressure consistently, it is best to follow up with your doctor to ensure you receive the necessary care.

Some of the causes of low blood pressure can include:3

  • Lack of activity. If you are on bed rest or do not have regular blood flow, it is possible to experience low blood pressure.
  • Too much activity. If you are standing for too long, it is possible for your blood pressure to get too low, especially if you are locking your knees, preventing blood from flowing freely.
  • Certain medical conditions. Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, thyroid imbalances, diabetes and Addison’s disease can all cause blood pressure to be too low. If you are living with any of these conditions, it is important to have consistent care from a doctor.
  • Pregnancy. It can sometimes lead to blood pressure changes due to pressure put on the uterus.
  • Dehydration. It can cause blood pressure to drop too low.
  • Medications. Taking certain medications like diuretics, beta blockers, antidepressants or narcotics can sometimes affect blood pressure levels.
  • Lack of nutrition and nutritional deficiencies. This can cause anemia, which can result in a reduction of red blood cells and lead to lower blood pressure. A lack of nutrients can also cause low sodium levels, which can lead to low blood pressure.
  • Allergic reactions. They can cause changes to blood pressure.
  • Injuries that result in bleeding.
  • Septic shock, or a condition that can occur from a bacterial infection, can cause blood pressure to drop.
  • Emotional stress.
  • Getting too hot.

How to know if you have low blood pressure (symptoms)

If you are experiencing low blood pressure, you may have symptoms. If you do not have symptoms, you may naturally have low blood pressure and may be fine. Symptoms that require follow-up care with a provider can include:4

  • Blurry vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Fainting
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling more tired or weak

How is low blood pressure diagnosed?

Low blood pressure may require follow-up care with your provider, who will likely need to run additional testing measures. Some tests that are run to diagnose low blood pressure include:

  • A blood pressure test.5 During a blood pressure test, you will sit with your feet flat on the floor and rest your arm on a surface beside you. Then, a provider will wrap a cuff snugly around your arm. The cuff will inflate and measure the blood pressure in your arteries. The test is not painful and typically takes only about a minute to complete.
  • Tilt table test.6 This test is performed by changing the body position from a lying to a standing position. You will also likely be hooked up to an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure monitors to measure fluctuations in pressure as your body position changes. If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure during this test, you may experience some discomfort due to these symptoms presenting.

Treatment for low blood pressure

Treatment for low blood pressure will depend on the root cause. For this reason, it is essential to follow up with your health care provider to ensure that you are addressing the root of the issue. Some treatments for low blood pressure can include:

  • Maintaining a well-hydrated state.7 Being dehydrated can sometimes cause low blood pressure. Drinking plenty of fluids (at least 64 oz per day) to maintain adequate hydration is key. It is also important to consider hydration if you are taking diuretics or any other medications that may dehydrate you. If you are taking these types of medications, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for personalized hydration recommendations.
  • Maintaining a well-balanced diet. Eating a well-balanced diet will help ensure that you are getting the necessary nutrients to promote healthy blood pressure.8 If you need to increase your blood pressure, try eating more salt. While it is essential to be mindful of the amount of sodium you consume and avoid excessive intake, eating enough salt can be beneficial for some individuals with low blood pressure. Try using more table salt or eating foods like olives or salty cheeses.
  • Having your health checked to see if there is another underlying element causing low blood pressure. Having all your systems checked, including blood sugar levels and thyroid function, can help identify other issues that may be causing low blood pressure.9
  • Taking certain medications, if prescribed by a doctor. Some medications can help raise blood pressure levels. Some of these include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, antidepressants, birth control and some supplements like caffeine or certain herbal supplements.10 Before starting any new medication or supplement, it is always important to consult a healthcare provider.

When to see a doctor

If you are experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure that are causing issues with day-to-day functioning, it is wise to seek follow-up care with a doctor. If you are experiencing symptoms like fainting and dizziness regularly, it is important to see a doctor and seek care to help treat these symptoms, as they can be dangerous to live with.11

It is also important to seek care from a doctor if you suspect that another underlying medical issue may be causing low blood pressure.

How to prevent low blood pressure

Preventing low blood pressure is most effective when you identify the root cause of the condition. In general, there are several steps you can take to help prevent low blood pressure from occurring, assuming there is no underlying issue causing the low blood pressure.

Use some of these tips to help optimize blood pressure:12

  • Get up slowly. Sometimes, the change in body position can cause blood pressure to drop. Getting up more slowly can allow more time for blood flow to move around the body.
  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
  • Move your body more often. Sitting still for too long can cause blood to pool in the body. Getting up more often and taking small walks can help boost blood pressure.
  • Prioritize balanced blood sugar. Eating small meals more frequently can help optimize blood sugar levels, which in turn can help regulate blood pressure levels. Sometimes, when you eat a large meal, your blood pressure can drop because the blood is diverted to the gut to aid digestion. Additionally, balancing meals with the appropriate ratio of carbohydrates, fats and protein will help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Eating just carbs that spike your blood sugar can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, leading to fluctuations in blood pressure as well.
  • Keeping hydrated helps to optimize blood pressure levels.

Overall, if you are experiencing low blood pressure, it is essential to seek follow-up care with a healthcare provider, especially if you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms associated with the low blood pressure. Everyone’s blood pressure levels are different, and several factors can impact them. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider to ensure that your levels are within the normal range for you. From there, you’ll be given a personalized blueprint for how to optimize your blood pressure and overall health.

References

Conditions & diseases Articles
Back to Top

Data use: We use cookies and similar tools to make your use of this website easy and to keep it working properly. We may share data about you and how you use the site with third parties, such as analytics and marketing partners. Learn more in our Privacy Policy (Opens in new window) and Terms of Use (Opens in new window). By continuing to use the site, you agree to this.