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Health Tip: What's Behind My Low Blood Pressure?

(HealthDay News) -- Many people worry about high blood pressure and how to bring it under control. But low blood pressure also can be a medical problem, perhaps leading dizziness, fainting or fatigue.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these common causes of low blood pressure (medically called hypotension):

  • A side effect of medications, such as certain antidepressants, diuretics, painkillers or heart medicines.

  • Alcohol use.

  • Heart failure or heart attack.

  • Dehydration.

  • A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

  • Advanced diabetes.

  • Going into shock.

  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

Online Medical Reviewer: Sylvia Byrd, RN, BSN, MBA
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith, RN, MSN, FNP, CCRC
Last Annual Review Date: 8/20/2009