A blood pressure reading of 110/60 mmHg is usually not considered low blood pressure. Many people may have this reading without developing any signs and symptoms.
The upper number (numerator) in the reading indicates the systolic pressure, whereas the lower number (denominator) represents the diastolic pressure. Though a blood pressure level of 120/80 mmHg is considered optimal, having a systolic pressure between 91 and 119 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 61 and 79 mmHg is considered normal.
A blood pressure level that falls below 90/60 mmHg is typically referred to as low blood pressure (hypotension).
- If it is not associated with any symptoms, such as weakness, dizziness, or fatigue, it would not be considered hypotension and will usually be left untreated.
- The doctor may monitor you only if you have other medical conditions, such as heart problems, or are taking medications that cause low blood pressure.
10 Probable causes of low blood pressure
A low blood pressure reading may be experienced commonly by pregnant women, most commonly in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. It usually returns to its normal levels after childbirth.
Other causes of low blood pressure include:
- Dehydration due to
- Blood loss that may be caused by
- A major injury from road accidents or falls from height
- Internal bleeding, such as due to stomach ulcers
- Heart valve problems
- Heart attack
- Heart failure (when the heart muscle does not pump blood as efficiently as required for the proper functioning of organs)
- Problems with the endocrine glands
- Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)
- Parathyroid disease
- Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Septicemia (widespread infection in the body that causes multiorgan damage)
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) that may be triggered by
- Foods, such as peanuts, cashews, and soy
- Certain medications
- insect stings or bites
- Exposure to certain poisonous plants, such as poison ivy
- Latex (commonly used in male condoms)
- Anemia (decreased levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin caused by a lack of the vitamin B12, folate, and iron)
SLIDESHOW
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Symptoms, Signs, Causes See SlideshowWhat factors increase your risk of low blood pressure?
Aging can decrease your artery’s elasticity and increase your risk of developing low blood pressure.
Other risk factors of low blood pressure include:
- Prolonged bed rest
- Sedentary life (or physical inactivity)
- Certain medicines used to treat medical conditions, including
- Hypertension
- Heart conditions
- Prostate problems
- Parkinson’s disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
If you have been experiencing weakness, dizziness, or unusual fatigue after starting certain medications, inform your doctor on your next visit.
If you have a low blood pressure reading, your doctor may either decrease the dose of the medications or switch you to a different medication.
What is postural hypotension?
Postural hypotension, also called orthostatic hypotension, is a sudden drop in blood pressure that results from postural change, specifically when you stand up from a sitting or lying down position. The condition can bring on dizziness, and you may even faint.
Anyone can get orthostatic hypotension though the condition is commonly found in older people. It is seen in those with autonomic failure, diabetes mellitus, and those on certain drugs.
- To diagnose postural hypotension, the doctor will first measure your blood pressure in your sitting or lying down position.
- They will ask you to get up and then measure your blood pressure again within three minutes of standing up.
- If you have postural hypotension, your systolic blood pressure reading will drop by more than 20 mmHg pressure and diastolic blood pressure will be decreased by more than 10 mmHg.
Health News
- CDC Warns of Potentially Fatal Bacterial Illness on U.S. Gulf Coast
- Helping Others as Volunteers Helps Kids 'Flourish': Study
- FDA Approves Pfizer's RSV Shot for Older Adults
- What to Do When Tough-to-Treat Lymphoma Strikes During Pregnancy
- Rate of Pregnant U.S. Women Who Have Diabetes Keeps Rising
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 10/4/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
Windsor M. Diastolic Blood Pressure: How Low Is Too Low? University of Alabama at Birmingham News. https://www.uab.edu/news/research/item/10393-diastolic-blood-pressure-how-low-is-too-low#
Stewart JM. Orthostatic Intolerance. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/902155-overview
Windsor M. Diastolic Blood Pressure: How Low Is Too Low? University of Alabama at Birmingham News. https://www.uab.edu/news/research/item/10393-diastolic-blood-pressure-how-low-is-too-low#
Stewart JM. Orthostatic Intolerance. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/902155-overview
Complete List
Top Is 110/60 a Too Low Blood Pressure Related Articles
Blood Pressure Readings: Chart, Normal, High, Low
Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries. Although the average blood pressure for a person remains constant, it shows minor fluctuations throughout the day—declining while relaxing and momentarily increasing while being excited or under stress. An increase in resting blood pressure can scar, stiffen, or harden the arteries.
Blood Pressure Picture
The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. See a picture of Blood Pressure and learn more about the health topic.
What Are Normal Blood Pressure Ranges by Age For Men and Women?
What is normal, low and high blood pressure? Find charts of blood pressure readings and ranges for men and women of different ages. Discover what causes high and low blood pressure and how to prevent it.
High Blood Pressure & Body
High blood pressure puts you at risk for a number of other conditions. Here's what to look out for.
What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? Symptoms, Treatments
What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)? What is normal blood pressure? Know the warning signs and symptoms of high blood pressure. Read about high blood pressure medications, diet, and long-term treatments.
HBP Quiz
Take this quiz and test your IQ of high blood pressure (hypertension), the cardiovascular disease that causes most strokes and heart attacks. How are dizziness, snoring, and gout related to HBP? Find the answer and learn how medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments fight this common problem.
How Do I Know If I Have High or Low Blood Pressure Numbers?
High or low blood pressure can lead to serious health conditions. Learn more about what you should do if your pressure is outside the ideal range.
How Do You Check Your Blood Pressure With Fingers?
Most doctors recommend the use of a blood pressure machine to check blood pressure. An individual may check heart rate with their fingers, but not blood pressure.
Is 120 Over 60 a Good Blood Pressure Reading?
If your systolic blood pressure is normal (between 100-120), and your diastolic blood pressure is lower (60 or below), you are considered to have low blood pressure, or isolated diastolic hypotension. Low diastolic blood pressure should be monitored closely.Is A Manual Blood Pressure More Accurate?
Manual blood pressure gives accurate results when used correctly by a trained person. However, manual blood pressure measurement is not the recommended type of blood pressure monitoring for home use because it requires some training.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
Low Blood Pressure
What is low blood pressure (hypotension)? Explore low blood pressure causes, symptoms, and signs. Discover what is considered low blood pressure.What Causes Low Diastolic Blood Pressure?
A diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of somewhere between 60 and 90 mm Hg is good in older people. Causes of low DBP include bed rest, dehydration, loss of water, alcohol use, hormone deficiencies, allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies and prolonged standing leading to blood pooling in the legs.What Foods Are Good If You Have Low Blood Pressure?
What is low blood pressure and what causes it? Learn the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure and what you can do to treat it.
What Is Normal Blood Pressure and Pulse by Age?
The American Heart Association outlines that a normal blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg for adults. Here is a chart that breaks down the ideal blood pressure range by age.
What Is the Proper Way to Take Your Blood Pressure?
If you want to monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis, you can do so at home easily using an automated or digital blood pressure machine. Here’s how to make sure your at-home reading is accurate.