Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a pathological condition characterized by a decrease in blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg. This condition can lead to insufficient blood supply to vital organs and tissues, which is accompanied by various clinical manifestations. Depending on the mechanism of development, primary (idiopathic) and secondary hypotension are distinguished, the latter is often a consequence of other diseases or conditions. Orthostatic hypotension is especially dangerous, in which there is a sharp drop in pressure when changing the position of the body from horizontal to vertical.
History of the disease and interesting historical facts
The study of hypotension as an independent medical phenomenon began in the 19th century, when doctors began to systematically measure blood pressure. It is interesting to note that before the advent of modern diagnostic methods, hypotension was often confused with other conditions, such as anemia or neurasthenia. In the 1930s, Soviet physician A.L. Myasnikov first described in detail the clinical picture of hypotension in young people, calling this condition "asthenic hypotension." According to historical data, during World War II, observations of pilots showed that hypotension significantly affects performance in extreme conditions.
Epidemiology
According to modern epidemiological studies, the prevalence of hypotension varies from 5% to 30% in the general population. The incidence is especially high among young women aged 18-30 years, where the rate reaches 35%. A study conducted by the European Society of Cardiology in 2021 showed that about 15% of patients over 65 years of age suffer from orthostatic hypotension. “We are seeing a significant increase in hypotension in modern society, which is associated with lifestyle changes and an increase in stress factors,” the study notes.
- Main risk groups:
- Young women
- Elderly people over 65 years old
- Professional athletes
- People with chronic stress
Genetic predisposition
Studies show that the genetic component plays a significant role in the development of hypotension. Several genes have been identified whose mutations can lead to a decrease in blood pressure: AGT (angiotensinogen gene), ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme gene) and ADD1 (alpha-adducin gene). Polymorphisms of these genes affect the regulation of vascular tone and water-salt metabolism. According to a 2020 meta-analysis, the presence of certain allelic variants of the AGT gene increases the risk of developing hypotension by 40%.
Risk factors for the development of this disease
The development of hypotension can be provoked by various factors:
- Physical factors:
- Long stay in a hot climate
- Excessive physical activity
- Sudden changes in body position
- Chemical factors:
- Taking certain medications (antihypertensive drugs)
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Dehydration
- Other factors:
- Chronic stress
- Disorders of the endocrine system
- Cardiovascular diseases
Diagnosis of this disease
Diagnosis of hypotension includes a comprehensive examination of the patient:
- Main symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Pre-syncope conditions
- Laboratory tests:
- General blood analysis
- Biochemical blood test
- Determination of thyroid hormone levels
- Radiological examinations:
- ECG
- Ultrasound of the heart
- Dopplerography of blood vessels
“Differential diagnostics are especially important to exclude secondary forms of hypotension,” WHO specialists emphasize.
Treatment
The therapeutic approach to treating hypotension includes various methods:
- General treatment:
- Correction of daily routine
- Rational nutrition
- Moderate physical activity
- Pharmacological treatment:
- Drugs to increase vascular tone
- Adaptogens
- Vitamin complexes
- Other types of treatment:
- Physiotherapy procedures
- Massage
- Hirudotherapy
List of drugs used to treat this disease
- Citramon
- Pantocrin
- Eleutherococcus
- Ginseng
- Caffeine sodium benzoate
- Metacin
- Belloid
Disease monitoring
Monitoring the condition of patients with hypotension requires regular observation:
- Daily blood pressure monitoring
- Regular ECG every 6 months
- Monitoring of hematological parameters once a year
The prognosis for hypotension is usually favorable, but complications such as:
- Chronic fatigue
- Development of depressive states
- Deterioration in quality of life
Age-related features of the disease
Hypotension has its own characteristics in different age groups:
- Childhood: often associated with a hereditary predisposition
- Young age: the functional form predominates
- Old age: secondary hypotension is more common
Questions and Answers
- How to distinguish hypotension from fatigue? Hypotension is characterized by specific symptoms: dizziness when changing body position, pale skin, and consistently low blood pressure.
- Is it possible to play sports if you have hypotension? Yes, but moderate exercise is recommended, swimming and yoga are best.
- How does nutrition affect hypotension? Fractional meals with sufficient salt and liquid content help stabilize blood pressure.
Advice from Dr. Oleg Korzhikov
"Patients often ask me how to cope with hypotension in everyday life. The first thing I recommend is to follow a proper daily routine and avoid overwork. It is important for patients with hypotension to drink enough fluids - at least 2 liters per day. It is better to start morning exercises with light exercises in bed. I would especially like to note the importance of a contrast shower and massage of the neck and collar zone. As for nutrition, I recommend including more foods containing magnesium and potassium in the diet."
"When symptoms of hypotension appear, it is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of the condition. Often, a more serious disease is hidden behind the mask of hypotension."
