Usually, your body is able to control your blood pressure and keep it from dropping too much. If it starts to drop too far, your body will try to make up for it by increasing your heart rate or constricting your blood vessels.

But sometimes your body can’t do this and the result is low blood pressure (hypotension). This condition doesn’t need to be treated unless it causes problems, such as dizziness or recurrent falls.

Your body controls your blood pressure with the help of nerves that link your brain to the heart and blood vessels. The nerves send signals to your kidneys, veins and arterioles that change the way those organs work.

These changes take time and don’t always produce results. That’s why it’s important to have regular blood pressure checks.

During a blood pressure check, your doctor will measure two numbers in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The top number is called systolic pressure and the bottom number is called diastolic pressure.

Systolic and diastolic are the pressures on your arteries each time your heart beats. If your systolic pressure is too low, it may be because you have a heart condition that causes the blood vessels to narrow or block.

You can also have low blood pressure because of certain conditions that affect your kidneys, such as glomerulonephritis. Or because of the effect of certain medications, such as diuretics.

Your blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day, even while you are sitting or lying down. The temperature outside, stress at work and your diet can all affect your reading.

Generally, your blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg or lower, but your doctor will determine the best number for you and your health. Often, the best number is less than 90/60 mmHg.

If your doctor says you have low blood pressure, they will likely run tests to find out what is causing it. These tests can include a blood test, electrocardiogram or ultrasound.

The most common reason for low blood pressure is normal aging, but it can also be caused by things like dehydration or the side effects of medication. For instance, if you’re taking a drug called thiazide diuretics, you could develop hypotension if your body isn’t able to process the extra fluid it’s gaining by excreting water and salt through the urine.

You may also have orthostatic hypotension, which happens when your blood pressure drops while you stand up from a sitting position. This condition is more common in older adults and can cause dizziness, weakness and other symptoms when you stand up quickly from a sitting or lying down position.

Some people also experience a sudden severe drop in blood pressure that can be life-threatening. These drops in blood pressure starve your body of oxygen and may lead to damage to your heart, brain or other organs.

If you have low blood pressure, seek emergency medical help right away. Your doctor can provide treatment that will restore blood flow to your organs and raise your blood pressure back to a safe level.

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