Yes, a diastolic blood pressure reading of 50 mm Hg is too low. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg, and once your diastolic number goes below 60 mm Hg, it can make you dizzy or lightheaded. This is especially problematic in older people if their bones are brittle, as a fall could result in fractures.
During the diastole phase when your heart relaxes after a contraction, your heart fills with blood via your coronary arteries. Low diastolic pressure means your heart is lacking adequate blood supply and oxygen, a condition called ischemia. If you consistently have low diastolic pressure, you may develop chronic ischemia, which can weaken your heart over time and lead to heart attack, heart failure, or other heart conditions.
What causes low blood pressure?
If you have low blood pressure, that means either your systolic pressure is below 90 mmHg or your diastolic pressure is below 60 mmHg. Conditions that can cause low blood pressure include:
- Pregnancy: Due to fluctuating hormone levels and changes in blood circulation, your blood pressure is more likely to drop during pregnancy. This is normal, and your blood pressure will likely return to its usual levels after delivery.
- Heart problems:
- Extremely low heart rate (bradycardia)
- Heart valve problems
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Endocrine disorders:
- Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency (a disorder of the adrenal glands in which they produce less of their hormones)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (an inherited condition characterized by tumors on multiple glands, such as the parathyroid, pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Diabetes (only in some cases)
- Dehydration: Dehydration can lower blood pressure levels may be caused by:
- Bleeding: Blood loss from external or internal injuries can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to hypovolemic shock.
- Septicemia: When an infection becomes severe enough that it enters the bloodstream, it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and result in organ damage.
- Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis, which is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that may occur upon exposure to certain foods, medications, poisonous plants, insect bites, and latex, can cause low blood pressure.
- Anemia: Anemia is characterized by low levels of hemoglobin, most commonly due to a low number of red blood cells (RBCs). The condition may develop due to a lack of vitamins and minerals (vitamin B-12, folate, and iron) and lead to low blood pressure.
- Medications:
- Alpha blockers, such as Minipress (prazosin)
- Beta-blockers, such as Tenormin (atenolol)
- Diuretics, such as Lasix (furosemide)
- Antidepressants, such as Silenor (doxepin)
- Drugs for Parkinson's disease, such as Mirapex (pramipexole)
- Drugs for erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra (sildenafil)
- Aside from medical conditions, other factors can lead to slight variations in blood pressure, which are quite normal:
- Body position: Your blood pressure is lower when you’re lying down than when you’re standing up.
- Time of day: Your blood pressure is usually lowest at night and rises significantly in the morning upon waking.
- Breathing pattern or rhythm: Taking slow, deep breaths lowers blood pressure.
- Stress level: Stress causes a temporary spike in blood pressure.
- Diet: Eating and drinking less can lead to a lack of fluids and salts, which can lower blood pressure.
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms.
Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure.
The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater.
If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.
REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
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 Is Diastolic Hypertension Treated?
Diastolic hypertension, where only your diastolic blood pressure is elevated, may be treated with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, reducing your sodium intake or alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. Medications may be prescribed in more severe cases.
Which Is More Important: Systolic or Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Systolic blood pressure is often given more attention as a risk factor for heart disease. However, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are equally important in monitoring the health of your heart.
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 (Hypotension) Causes
Low blood pressure (hypotension) occurs when blood pressure drops below the normal range. Low blood pressure can be temporary, or it can be a chronic (long-lasting) condition.Low Blood Pressure Picture
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is pressure so low it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, the organs do not function normally and may be temporarily or 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 Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?
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 Does It Mean When the Diastolic Number is High?
A high diastolic reading (equal to or greater than 120 mmHg) is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and other cardiovascular problems.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.