Low blood pressure and heart rate - these are the causes
introduction
The frequency at which the heart contracts is called the pulse. It depends on the current physical activity, the level of training and other factors.
Usually the so-called resting heart rate is determined. This is the pulse in absolute physical rest, for example before getting up in bed. Adults have an average resting heart rate of 70 beats per minute.
The blood pressure describes the pressure prevailing in the vessels. Usually this means the arterial blood pressure at heart level. He is responsible for the flow of blood. The blood pressure is not static, but rises briefly with each heartbeat and then falls again. Values of around 110 to 60 mmHg are considered to be low blood pressure.
causes
- Before you think about the exact causes of a blood pressure or pulse that is too low, you should rule out measurement errors. Doctors usually have calibrated meters that measure correct values. They also know the typical errors when measuring blood pressure and can rule them out.
- Both blood pressure and pulse are directly related to the work of the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. All of these systems are precisely controlled by a series of hormones and control loops. Predisposition, physical activity and hormonal changes influence the control of blood pressure and pulse. In most cases it is not possible to determine exactly why blood pressure and pulse are lowered too much by these body's own regulatory systems. This is known as essential or primary hypotension. There is no disease as the cause, it is often found in young and slim people, especially women. A distinction is made between secondary hypotension. It is the direct result of a disease or an active ingredient.
- It is possible that the heart is no longer able to pump sufficient blood through the circulation system due to aging or other damage. This is known as heart failure.
- Often there is a low blood pressure or pulse, even with hypofunction or diseases of different hormone systems. These include the adrenal cortex, the pituitary gland or the thyroid gland.
- In addition, hypotension, i.e. low blood pressure, can occur with a salt or fluid deficiency.
- Many medications affect your heart rate and blood pressure. It is worth taking a look at the package insert here.
Read more on the topic: Low Blood Pressure And Nausea - You Can Do That!
The thyroid as the cause
The thyroid regulates the body's metabolic activity through its hormones. In addition to this important function, your hormones also have other effects.
Thyroid hormones in the heart increase the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline. These accelerate the pulse and increase the contraction of the heart. In the case of an underactive thyroid, this sensitization is absent, which means that the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline are weakened. The result is low blood pressure and a slow pulse. In addition, thyroid hormones also have direct effects on the heart and vascular system. If the thyroid is underactive, these can also be weakened. This, too, can lower blood pressure and slow the pulse.
Further information can be found at:
- Symptoms of an underactive thyroid
- Thyroid disorders
Concomitant symptoms
Almost everyone has had symptoms of low blood pressure or heart rate at some point. Typical are the classic "circulatory problems" after getting up too quickly, such as dizziness or the feeling that your eyes go black. They occur when the blood in the body sinks when you stand up, making it more difficult to supply the brain.
In principle, this is harmless and can also occur in healthy people. However, especially if the blood pressure is too low, they can be much more pronounced and even lead to fainting. Since a faint usually leads to an uncontrolled fall, caution is advised here. If this occurs frequently, treatment should be considered.
As a result of the insufficient supply, headaches can also occur. In addition, those affected often complain of severe fatigue, difficulty concentrating or a drop in performance. Often these occur in connection with climatic changes. For example, the so-called spring fatigue is known. Presumably it arises when the vessels dilate due to the higher temperature. The increased vessel diameter leads to a drop in blood pressure.
Also read the article on the topic:
- Low blood pressure and headache
- Low blood pressure and dizziness
- Symptoms of low blood pressure
Palpitations with low heart rate and blood pressure
As long as one does not concentrate on it, the heartbeat is not consciously perceived. However, the heart rarely skips a beat or beats twice in quick succession. This is usually noticed as a palpitations.
Almost everyone experiences this at one point in their life. If a palpitations occurs once or only rarely, it is usually not dangerous. A doctor should be consulted if there are changes, the stumbling of the heart becomes more frequent, is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, or occurs especially during exertion.
Read about it: Dizziness and circulation
Shortness of breath
A blood pressure or pulse that is too low can cause shortness of breath. The reason for this is that the heart no longer pumps enough blood through the circulation to supply all organs with sufficient oxygen. Normally, the body reacts to a lack of oxygen by increasing the breathing rate.
In addition, the heart should be stimulated by various hormones, which increase the pulse. The vessels contract and the blood pressure also rises again. If this does not improve the shortness of breath within a short time, a doctor should be consulted if possible. Prolonged or severe shortness of breath with low blood pressure can be the symptom of a dangerous disease such as pulmonary embolism or heart failure.
Read more about this: Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
diagnosis
Measuring the heart rate is relatively easy. The pulse is felt in an artery, usually below the ball of the thumb on the wrist. By counting the beats within a period, the number of beats per minute can be calculated.
Measuring blood pressure is a little more complicated and can be done with a pressure cuff. Nowadays there is a wide range of fully automatic blood pressure monitors available for purchase. It is best to determine blood pressure and pulse over several days and at different times. This gives you a better overview. There are also a number of different tests that can help with the diagnosis.
This includes measurements
- at rest after waking up
- during excitement or other emotional events
- during the transition from lying to standing
- under physical exertion.
In addition, the doctor usually asks questions about symptoms or medication in order to improve a diagnosis. There is also the possibility of a long-term blood pressure measurement to determine daily fluctuations as well as the Schellong test, which deals with the change in the circulation when changing posture. these examinations can help identify possible causes.
Also read our articles:
- How do I measure my blood pressure correctly?
- What is the systole?
- What are the diastolic blood pressure readings?
Treatment of low blood pressure and pulse
Neither low blood pressure nor a low pulse are necessarily in need of treatment. Low blood pressure probably even increases life expectancy because the vascular system is spared. However, a distinction is made between low blood pressure or pulse due to another disease and what is known as essential low blood pressure.
- If there is a disease that has been recognized as the cause of the low blood pressure or pulse, this should be treated by a doctor. Treating the underlying disease should return blood pressure and pulse to normal.
- The situation is different with the so-called essential low blood pressure. This probably arises from a combination of disposition and lifestyle. It is more common in young people. In this case, lifestyle changes are usually enough to normalize blood pressure and pulse.
It is important to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids. Salt plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. That is why it is important to have sufficient salt intake through food. Exercise can help relieve low blood pressure. Baths such as Kneipp cures may also have a positive effect on blood pressure.
If such measures do not help, drug therapy by a doctor may have to be considered.
You might also be interested in this article:
- Medicines for low blood pressure
- Home remedies for low blood pressure
Duration and prognosis
How long a low blood pressure or pulse lasts also depends on the causes. Many diseases that have an impact on blood pressure or pulse can usually be treated well. These include, above all, hypothyroidism or heart failure. Well-proven and effective drugs are available for both diseases.
The so-called essential hypotension, on the other hand, can last for years, maybe even for life. Presumably, however, this form of low blood pressure does not have any harmful consequences. However, several recent studies have shown that blood pressure that is too low can potentially lead to harmful long-term effects such as strokes. Therefore, there is currently disagreement about the prognosis of low blood pressure.
Course of disease
A blood pressure or pulse that is too low can develop slowly or reappear relatively quickly. Newly onset of low blood pressure or pulse rate is often the result of another illness and should be examined by a doctor.
If there is no illness as the cause of a low pulse or blood pressure, the development may be slow. Often a blood pressure or pulse that is too low is noticeable late and with the first symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath. If lifestyle changes or blood pressure and pulse are not treated, low blood pressure and pulse will usually persist for a longer period of time.
Also read our topic: Is Low Blood Pressure Dangerous?
