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Low Blood Pressure
Author: Dr. Vrolijk | Updated: August 23, 2025 | Disclaimer | Review Process | References
Low blood pressure can make you feel lightheaded, especially when you stand up. If you pass out, feel like you might pass out, or have any other concerning symptoms, get emergency help right away. If you’re feeling lightheaded but okay, there are things you can do right away that can help.
There isn’t one number for low blood pressure. That’s because what counts as low depends on what’s normal for your body. If your normal blood pressure is 150/86, then a drop to 109/70 would be low blood pressure for you. But someone else’s blood pressure might be 92/68 every day and they feel fine.
This page walks you through when low blood pressure is a problem, what it can feel like, and when to get help.
When to Get Help
Call for Emergency Help if You Have Symptoms Like
- Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
- Trouble breathing, sweating, upset stomach, or cold and clammy skin
- Pain in your arms, back, or jaw
- Faint or pass out
- Fall for no clear reason
- Throwing up or diarrhea and you can’t drink water
- Any other concerning symptoms
Call Your Doctor If You Have
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when you stand up
- Feeling tired or weak when you didn’t before
- Headache in the back of your neck and shoulders
- This can be a symptom low blood pressure when you stand up (called orthostatic hypotension)
- Any other new symptom that you’re worried about
Why Numbers Alone Don't Tell the Whole Story
You might hear that 90/60 is too low. But what matters most is how you feel and what’s normal for your body.
Someone used to higher blood pressure might feel awful when it drops, even if the numbers look “normal.” But someone who always runs low might feel fine with the same numbers.
Tricks for Dealing with Low Blood Pressure
First, Stay Safe
- Sit or lie down
- Tell someone nearby how you’re feeling
Tricks That Can Help
- Elevate your legs – helps blood flow to your brain
- Cross your legs – helps raise your blood pressure
- Don’t get up quickly – slowly stand up and wait until you feel normal before walking
What Low Blood Pressure Can Feel Like
Most Common Symptoms
- Lightheaded or dizzy: Feeling like you might faint or pass out
- Your vision gets dark or blurry: Especially around the edges
You Might Also Feel
- Unsteady on your feet
- Like you need to sit back down
- Your legs feel weak or “buckle”
- More Tired or fatigued
- Headache in the back of your head, neck, or shoulders
These Symptoms Can Happen
- When you stand up (called orthostatic hypotension)
- After eating a large meal
- In hot weather
- When you’re dehydrated
Quick Answers
There isn’t one specific “danger zone” number. What matters is how you feel and what’s normal for your body. For example, someone might feel fine with blood pressure around 100/65. Another person might feel awful if their pressure drops from 160/80 to 110/68.
Usually low blood pressure on its own won’t cause a stroke.
Your body works to keep blood flowing to your brain. When blood pressure drops, you feel dizzy so you’ll sit or lie down. This helps blood reach your brain.
Low blood pressure can be dangerous when you’re very sick (like from bleeding or infection). But then it’s the serious illness causing the problem – not just the low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure can make you feel tired and weak. When your blood pressure is low, your muscles and organs may get less oxygen and nutrients. This can make you feel tired and weak.
Anxiety usually raises blood pressure, because it triggers your body’s “fight or flight” response. If you’re feeling anxious and have low blood pressure, there’s probably another cause. Some health conditions can make you feel anxious and lower blood pressure. So, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to see if there is an underlying cause.
Drinking a moderate amount of coffee every day doesn’t appear to change blood pressure much. But if you don’t usually drink coffee, the caffeine might briefly raise your blood pressure.
Some studies show that drinking sugary beverages are associated with higher blood pressure.
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Resources We Used
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