Hypotension (low blood pressure) has various potential causes and types, including:
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Orthostatic Hypotension: This occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly when a person moves from a sitting or lying position to a standing position. Common causes include dehydration, medication side effects, and autonomic nervous system disorders.
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Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH): This type of hypotension is often associated with fainting (syncope) and can result from an abnormal reflex response that causes blood pressure to drop during certain activities or situations.
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Postprandial Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure after eating, which can affect some people, especially the elderly.
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Severe Infections: Serious infections can lead to septic shock, a condition characterized by dangerously low blood pressure.
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Hypotension Due to Heart Problems: Certain heart conditions, such as heart failure or bradycardia (slow heart rate), can result in low blood pressure.
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Medications: Some medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, may inadvertently cause low blood pressure as a side effect.
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Dehydration: A loss of fluids from the body can result in low blood pressure.
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Anaphylaxis: A severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure.