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Low Blood Pressure

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What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when blood pressure falls below 90/60 mm Hg. Understanding hypotension and how to manage it is important for healthy blood flow and organ function, especially for older adults.

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against your artery walls. While high blood pressure gets more attention, low blood pressure (hypotension) can also affect your health and quality of life.

For some people, low blood pressure causes no problems. For others, it can lead to dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life.

What the numbers mean:

Normal blood pressure: Around 120/80 mm Hg
Low blood pressure: Generally below 90/60 mm Hg

What Are the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure can affect people differently. You might experience:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting
Blurred vision
Confusion
Fatigue
Cold, clammy, pale skin
Headache
Nausea

If you experience frequent or severe symptoms, contact your primary care physician for evaluation, and you may be referred to the heart care experts.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure is most commonly caused by:

Medications – including medications for high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s disease, or erectile dysfunction
Orthostatic (Postural) Hypotension – a sudden drop in blood pressure after standing, due to blood pooling in the legs
Postprandial Hypotension – blood pressure drops 1–2 hours after eating, especially high‑carbohydrate meals

Other causes can include:

Dehydration
Heart conditions
Endocrine disorders
Severe infections or allergic reactions
Anemia
Pregnancy

Treatments for Low Blood Pressure

Most people with long-term low blood pressure can be safely treated with medicine and lifestyle changes.

How We Diagnose Low Blood Pressure

At University of Rochester Medicine, we take time to understand your unique health picture. Your evaluation may include:

Medical history & physical exam: We'll discuss your symptoms, medications, and overall health to identify potential causes.

Diagnostic tests:

Blood pressure monitoring: Multiple readings in different positions (lying down, sitting, standing)
Blood tests: Check for anemia, blood sugar levels, hormone levels
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluate heart rhythm and structure
Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging of your heart
Tilt table test: Monitors blood pressure and heart rate changes as the table tilts
Stress test: Measures heart function during physical activity

We consider the whole picture—your physical health, lifestyle, and individual circumstances—to create a treatment plan that works for you.

Living Well with Low Blood Pressure

Treatment depends on what's causing your low blood pressure and how it affects your daily life. Treatment options include:

Increase fluid intake
Move slowly when changing positions—e.g., sit up on the bed before standing
Compression socks to encourage blood return from the legs
Modify risk factors, such as meal size or timing (for postprandial hypotension)
Review medications that may contribute to low blood pressure

If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, your provider may prescribe medications to treat hypotension. These therapies are tailored to individual needs.

What Sets Us Apart?

At URochester Medicine, we do whatever it takes to help you thrive. Our specialists combine advanced diagnostics with compassionate, personalized care to address your unique needs.

We offer:

Comprehensive evaluation: We look at the whole picture—not just your numbers
Multidisciplinary expertise: Cardiologists, endocrinologists, and other specialists collaborate on complex cases
Advanced diagnostics: Access to cutting-edge testing and monitoring
Personalized treatment: Plans tailored to your lifestyle, health goals, and circumstances
Convenient locations: Care close to home across the Finger Lakes region
Coordinated care: Seamless communication across your care team

Research-driven care: As the leading academic health system in Upstate New York, we turn breakthrough research into better treatments—giving you access to the latest advances in cardiovascular and metabolic health.