Reduced Blood Pressure

Reduced blood pressure is a major symptom of substance abuse, addiction and/or withdrawal. This entails a drop in the pressure at which the blood is pushed against the walls of your arteries when the heart beats. There are times when this is considered a good thing (as compared to an increase in blood pressure), though this can also lead to dizziness, tiredness and loss of consciousness. Medically, this condition is known as hypotension. Therefore, when the blood pressure is at 90/60 – or even below this systolic/diastolic number – a person is considered to be experiencing reduced blood pressure.

Consuming substances without following the prescription from a health professional – or even withdrawing after being addicted for a long time – can lead to reduced blood pressure. So, if you or a loved one are experiencing any of these, you will tend to become tired easily, as well as experience nausea and dizziness or even go into a state of shock.

Signs of Reduced Blood Pressure

Being able to identify the symptoms of reduced blood pressure when they manifest goes a long way in helping you get adequate treatment. The signs of this condition vary, based on the type you’re experiencing; whether it’s the neurally mediated hypertension (which lasts a long time as a result of an event that affects your emotional well-being), postprandial hypotension (which occurs once you finish eating) or orthostatic (which takes hold after sitting, standing or lying in a particular position), here are the symptoms to generally look out for:

Although substance abuse, addiction and withdrawal have been established as causes of reduced blood pressure, there are other factors that should not be ignored. Some of them include infections of the bloodstream or vessels; thyroid disease; adrenal insufficiency; diabetes; shock; allergies; dehydration; loss of blood due to an injury; the need for blood during pregnancy; and impaired blood circulation.

During a hospital visit, certain tests might be conducted and questions asked to enable a health care professional to determine the root cause (and history) of the condition, to allow for easy administration of treatment or therapy. Questions will be asked to determine whether you’ve recently lost consciousness; if you often have blurry vision; what medications you’ve been taking; and for how long you’ve experienced these changes. Tests to ascertain whether you have enough blood in your system – and to monitor your heart rate – will also be carried out.

In cases where you often lose consciousness or lack sufficient blood, you might be asked to remain in the hospital for further checks to be undertaken and so your development can be closely supervised throughout the treatment process. If you’ve lost blood as a result of an injury or increase in demand for blood by the foetus in a pregnant mother, then a blood transfusion will be suggested.

Finally, it’s important to always remember the symptoms of reduced blood pressure. If you notice sudden shock, dehydration, weakness, dizziness or blurry vision, do not consume any more substances to attempt to make you feel better. Instead, contact a healthcare professional and get the right treatment or therapy you need, so as to avoid any further complications – addiction related or not.