--- title: "Low blood pressure (hypotension): Symptoms & Treatment" description: "Low blood pressure (hypotension) — what causes it, when dizziness on standing matters, and when readings below 90/60mmHg need a GP check." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure/ robots: noindex --- # Low blood pressure (hypotension): Symptoms & Treatment Health A–Z Low blood pressure (hypotension) — what causes it, when dizziness on standing matters, and when readings below 90/60mmHg need a GP check. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 18 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is low blood pressure? Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a reading below 90/60mmHg. For many healthy people it causes no problems and needs no treatment. It matters when it causes symptoms — dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, especially on standing — or when it results from dehydration, medicines, or another condition. See a GP if you keep feeling dizzy or faint. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Low blood pressure (hypotension), including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about low blood pressure - Low blood pressure is a reading below 90/60mmHg — harmless in many people. - Common causes include dehydration, some medicines (including blood pressure tablets), pregnancy and heart or hormone conditions. - Dizziness on standing up (postural hypotension) becomes more common with age. - Treatment targets the cause — often a medicines review, more fluids, or standing up slowly. - Call 999 if low blood pressure comes with chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, or a fast weak pulse. ## What counts as low blood pressure? Blood pressure is written as two numbers — the pressure when your heart beats (systolic) over the pressure between beats (diastolic). A reading below **90/60mmHg** counts as low. Plenty of healthy people — particularly younger, active people — live at these levels with no symptoms and no ill effects, which is why doctors treat the *symptoms*, not the number. ## Symptoms to watch for Low blood pressure matters when it causes: - dizziness or lightheadedness, especially on standing - blurred vision or feeling faint - fainting (syncope) - weakness, tiredness or difficulty concentrating Symptoms that appear on standing up are called **postural (orthostatic) hypotension** — the most common pattern, and more frequent with age. ## Common causes - Dehydration — heat, illness, vomiting or diarrhoea, or simply not drinking enough - Medicines — blood pressure treatments, water tablets (diuretics), some antidepressants and Parkinson’s medicines - Pregnancy — blood pressure commonly dips in the first and second trimesters - Heart problems — a slow heart rate, valve problems or [heart failure](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/heart-failure/) - Hormone conditions — thyroid or adrenal gland problems - After meals — blood diverted to digestion can drop pressure in older people A sudden, severe drop — from major bleeding, serious infection (sepsis) or a severe allergic reaction — is an emergency, but it comes with obvious serious illness. ## How it is diagnosed and treated Your GP will measure blood pressure lying or sitting and again after standing, review your medicines, and may arrange blood tests or an ECG. Treatment targets the cause: adjusting a medicine, treating dehydration or an underlying condition, and practical steps — standing up slowly, avoiding long periods of standing, drinking enough fluids and eating smaller, more frequent meals. Medicines to raise blood pressure are rarely needed. ## ! When to see a GP about low blood pressure See a GP if you keep feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint, if you have fallen, or if symptoms started after a new medicine. Call 999 if someone has signs of shock — cold clammy skin, a fast weak pulse, confusion or loss of consciousness — or if dizziness comes with chest pain, slurred speech or weakness on one side. ## Common questions about low blood pressure What causes low blood pressure? Often nothing — some people naturally run low, especially if young and fit. Other causes include dehydration, standing for long periods, pregnancy, some medicines (blood pressure tablets, antidepressants, water tablets), heart problems, and hormone conditions such as an underactive adrenal gland. Blood pressure also naturally dips after meals and on standing quickly, particularly in older people. Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up? A brief head rush on standing is usually postural (orthostatic) hypotension — gravity pulls blood into your legs faster than your circulation adjusts. It is more common with age, dehydration, and certain medicines. Stand up slowly, sit on the edge of the bed first, and drink enough fluids. If it keeps happening or causes falls or fainting, see your GP. Is low blood pressure dangerous? Usually not — unlike high blood pressure, it does not damage your heart or arteries over time. The main risk is injury from dizziness, falls or fainting, especially in older people. Sudden, severe drops caused by serious infection, bleeding or allergic reactions are medical emergencies — but these come with obvious illness, not everyday readings. How can I raise low blood pressure? Drink plenty of fluids, stand up slowly, avoid standing still for long periods, and eat smaller, more frequent meals if pressure dips after eating. If a medicine is the cause, your GP may adjust the dose — never stop a prescribed medicine yourself. Most people need no treatment; salt intake should only be increased on medical advice. ## Sources - [NHS — Low blood pressure (hypotension)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension/) - [NICE CKS — Blood pressure measurement](https://cks.nice.org.uk/)