Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does.

Get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like:

  • lightheadedness or dizziness
  • feeling sick
  • blurred vision
  • generally feeling weak
  • confusion
  • fainting

This might mean your blood pressure is too low.

If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have a type of low blood pressure called postural hypotension.

See a GP if:

  • you keep getting symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness and fainting

You can check your blood pressure:

  • by asking if a pharmacist can do it
  • by asking a practice nurse or GP to do it
  • at home yourself using a home blood pressure monitor

Low blood pressure is a measurement of less than 90/60mmHg.

Find out about monitoring your blood pressure at home and choosing a monitor from Blood Pressure UK

Understanding your blood pressure reading

If you have a recent blood pressure reading use the NHS Check your blood pressure tool to understand what your reading means. You'll also get information about what to do next.

Regular blood pressure check

If you're 40 to 74 years old, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years as part of the NHS Health Check.

If a cause for low blood pressure can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms.

For example, they may suggest:

  • changing medicines or altering your dose, if this is the cause
  • wearing support stockings – this can improve circulation and increase blood pressure

Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective.

There are things you can do to help with symptoms of low blood pressure.

Do

  • get up slowly from sitting to standing

  • take care when getting out of bed – move slowly from lying to sitting to standing

  • eat small, frequent meals – lying down or sitting still for a while after eating may also help

  • increase the amount of water you drink

Don't

  • do not sit or stand for long periods

  • do not bend down or change posture suddenly

  • do not drink too much alcohol

Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day.

What you're doing and how you're feeling can also affect it.

There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you're fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents.

Some people develop low blood pressure as they get older.

It can also be caused by:

  • being pregnant
  • some medical conditions, such as diabetes
  • some medicines