How to Tell If Your Low Blood Pressure Is Dangerously Low? All On Living With Hypotension

Updated Nov 27, 2024 | 07:00 PM IST

SummaryLow blood pressure, or hypotension, is often harmless. However, sudden drops or persistently low readings with symptoms like dizziness or fatigue may indicate serious health issues requiring medical attention.
How to Tell If Your Low Blood Pressure Is Dangerously Low? All On Living With Hypotension

How to Tell If Your Low Blood Pressure Is Dangerously Low? All On Living With Hypotension

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is usually considered a sign of good health and low risk for cardiovascular disease. However, there are times when persistently low blood pressure or a sudden drop can be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs medical attention. Knowing when low blood pressure becomes a problem can help ensure timely intervention and proper care.

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers:

Systolic pressure (the top number) indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps blood. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) reflects the pressure in your arteries while your heart is resting between beats.

The normal reading is usually 120/80 mmHg or less. Hypotension is clinically defined as having blood pressure readings less than 90/60 mmHg. In some patients, low blood pressure will have no adverse health consequences and therefore does not need to be treated. In extreme cases, however, it can limit the flow of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs, resulting in potentially life-threatening complications, such as shock.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Hypotension can result from many factors. Some of the factors that cause hypotension are as follows:

  • Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to decreased blood volume and hence hypotension.
  • An injury or internal bleeding may result in hypotension. This happens because blood pressure becomes significantly reduced.
  • Some hormonal changes along with the increased blood requirement during pregnancy also causes hypotension.
  • Issues like heart failure or arrhythmias can impair blood circulation and result in low blood pressure.
  • Certain drugs, including diuretics, antidepressants, and blood-pressure-lowering medications, can induce hypotension.

Symptoms of Hypotension

While low blood pressure may not always cause symptoms, it can sometimes be associated with:

- Dizziness or fainting

- Fatigue and weakness

- Blurred vision

- Nausea

- Confusion or difficulty concentrating

- Shallow breathing

- Palpitations

If the person experiences these symptoms, with the recorded blood pressure reading, the medical services have to be consulted.

Types of Low Blood Pressure

1. Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a kind of hypotension that appears as a result of decreased blood pressure when a person is standing up from lying down or sitting position and primarily affects elderly people.

2. Postprandial Hypotension: This is a drop in blood pressure after eating, more common in older people.

3. Neurally Mediated Hypotension: It is triggered by standing for long periods. This type can affect younger people and is associated with miscommunication between the brain and heart.

When Is Low Blood Pressure Dangerous?

There is no such thing as a universal threshold for very low blood pressure, but a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mmHg can be dangerous and require prompt medical assessment if accompanied by symptoms of fainting, confusion, or shortness of breath. Sudden falls in blood pressure may point to potentially serious underlying causes, which can include:

  • Internal bleeding
  • Sepsis (severe infection)
  • Allergic reactions

Management and Treatment

Treatment of hypotension depends on its cause:

  • Hydration Drinking more water can help against dehydration-related hypotension.
  • Compression Stockings: These can improve circulation and reduce blood pooling in the lower limbs.
  • Dietary Changes: Increasing salt intake under supervision can help increase blood pressure
  • Medication Changes: The physician may need to reduce dosages of some medications or replace prescriptions.

For more severe cases, physicians might also administer fludrocortisone or midodrine to increase blood pressure. Shock from hypotension should be treated promptly to ensure proper function of organs.

Can Hypotension Cause Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue syndrome has also been associated with low blood pressure. Prolonged tiredness, despite adequate rest, may require reassessment of blood pressure levels. Fatigue secondary to hypotension will impact functionality and thus requires assessment and treatment of the cause.

When to Seek Medical Care

If your blood pressure readings are low consistently and without symptoms, you probably have nothing to worry about. If you do have symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or confusion, you need to go to the doctor. Blood pressure checks are usually conducted regularly. Once you are aware of your own normal baseline, you will know right away when there is something wrong.

Lifestyle Tips That Support Normal Blood Pressure

  1. Other than directly treating hypotension, a healthy lifestyle overall would promote balanced blood pressure levels.
  2. Exercise regularly; it promotes cardiovascular health and can help regulate blood pressure.
  3. Focus on nutrient-dense foods rich in iron, B vitamins, and electrolytes to support circulatory health.
  4. Excessive alcohol consumption dehydrates the body and lowers blood pressure.
  5. Practices like yoga and meditation can help maintain a healthy blood pressure range.

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COVID Pandemic Left 55,000 Cancer Cases Undiagnosed In 7 Nations, Including Australia and the UK

Updated Jun 2, 2026 | 03:00 PM IST

SummaryA recent study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, finds that 55,000 cancer cases in developed nations like Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK remained undiagnosed.
COVID Pandemic Left 55,000 Cancer Cases Undiagnosed In 7 Nations, Including Australia and the UK

Credit: AI Generated Image

The COVID pandemic was a disastrous time for human civilization. The effects of that time are still observable to this day. The lockdown and other aspects of the period affected every stratum of society and life. And one of the most impacted sectors was the health care sector, which was at the forefront of the global crisis. Thus, other routine healthcare, as important as cancer, got neglected and caused pain and despair.

A recent study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, published in The Lancet Oncology, sheds light on the magnitude of the healthcare disruption during the pandemic, as the research finds there were 55,000 cancers that remained undiagnosed due to the spread of COVID. The largest estimation at an international scale observed data from 2.6 million patients and 18 jurisdictions.

The researchers saw that developed first-world countries like Norway and New Zealand suffered due to the crisis, though the health care systems there saw a smaller decline, which was followed by faster recovery. On the other side, even developed and economic powerhouses like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia got the worst of it, and recovery was also slower.

According to the study, 16 percent of the cancer cases remained undiagnosed in nations like Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK between April and December 2020. Though the biggest dip was seen in prostate cancer diagnoses, which fell by a massive 24 percent, followed by breast cancer and melanoma, both down 18 percent.

Isabelle Soerjomataram, deputy head of the agency’s Cancer Surveillance Branch and the study’s senior author, said, “A more detailed understanding of why some health systems were better able to withstand the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic could provide valuable lessons for future crisis preparedness.”

Also Read: Football Legend Kevin Keegan Reveals Fighting Stage Four Cancer

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The gland in the male reproductive system that makes seminal fluid is the prostate. This is the most common type of slow-growing cancer in men, which sees the abnormal growth of cells in the gland; if detected early, it is very much curable. Some early-stage symptoms of the disease are blood in the urine or semen, trouble urinating, and erectile dysfunction, and if you’re asking yourself, why you?

You could probably blame age, family history or lifestyle choices. While we cannot change the ‘why’, we can master the ‘how’ of finding the right treatment in time. Step 1: Rule out the possibility of cancer with a simple Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.

Also Read: Space Grown Stem Cells: How Are Expedition 74 Astronauts Helping To Fight Cancer?

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. It can occur anywhere on the skin but often develops on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, back, and legs. Melanoma can also appear in less-exposed areas, like the soles of the feet, palms, or under the nails, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. Although rare, melanoma may develop in the eyes, mouth, or internal organs. The primary sign of melanoma is a new or changing mole, freckle, or skin lesion.

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Mental Health Crisis: 1 in 5 Adolescents Turning To AI For Advice

Updated Jun 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM IST

SummaryA recent survey by the research institute RAND shows that 1 in 5 adolescents and young people use AI chatbots for mental health advice. The survey was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Mental Health Crisis: 1 in 5 Adolescents Turning To AI For Advice

Credits: Health and me

Mental health is a very important aspect of life, and the society at large, but a recent survey has shed light on the current state of mental health in adolescents and young adults. The survey of RAND was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. The survey finds that 1 in 5 adolescents and young people is using an AI chatbot for mental health.

The organization also did a similar survey back in 2025, but then about 13% of respondents admitted to using a chatbot for advice; that number has jumped up to 19% this year. The 63% of them confessed that they did not tell anyone about taking therapy from a chatbot.

Ryan McBain, a senior policy researcher at RAND and the lead author of the study, said, “It’s a sad number, because you’d hope that young people would have the sorts of supportive relationships that they would feel comfortable and empowered reaching out to those around them.”

McBain and his team asked people aged between 12 and 21 years about their use of AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Character.AI, for mental health advice. They also asked whether the advice from the chatbots was helpful, and the majority of participants felt that the suggestions were useful.

Also Read: Study Finds Healthy Lifestyle Reduces Cardiovascular Risk In Childhood Cancer Survivors

Habits To Boost Mental Health

  • Quality sleep is essential not just for physical health but also for emotional stability. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and limiting caffeine intake in the evenings can promote better rest and overall well-being.

  • Reducing social media usage is another effective strategy. Constant exposure to curated glimpses of other people’s lives can lead to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy, increasing anxiety and depression.

  • Human connection plays a vital role in mental well-being. Strong relationships provide emotional support, reduce loneliness, and add meaning to life.

  • Regular physical activity offers significant mental health benefits. Exercise does not have to be intense; enjoyable activities such as walking, dancing, yoga, or even stretching can positively impact mental well-being.
Also Read: Space Grown Stem Cells: How Are Expedition 74 Astronauts Helping To Fight Cancer?

  • Diet also plays a crucial role in mental health. Nutrient-rich foods, such as berries, bananas, beans, whole grains, and fatty fish, contain mood-boosting properties. Staying hydrated is equally important, as dehydration can lead to fatigue and cognitive difficulties.

  • Knowing when to take a step back is equally essential. Some days may feel overwhelming, making even the simplest tasks seem daunting. Practicing self-compassion can prevent feelings of guilt and frustration from accumulating.

  • Rest is critical for mental restoration. Engaging in mindfulness practices or setting aside quiet time can create a sense of calm amid daily responsibilities.

  • Spending time outdoors, even briefly, can also uplift mental well-being. Stepping outside for a few minutes, taking a short walk, or simply opening a window can provide a refreshing mental boost.

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Potential 'Functional Cure' For Hepatitis B: Trial Give Hope To Millions

Updated Jun 2, 2026 | 10:15 AM IST

SummaryThe recent publication of a research paper on a drug trial has given hope to millions of patients with chronic hepatitis B for a functional cure.
Potential 'Functional Cure' For Hepatitis B: Trials Give Hope To Millions

Credit: AI Generated Image

Over one million Americans have contracted chronic hepatitis B and are now forced to go through a lifelong treatment process. Though these treatment only helps in terminating the virus, the risk of liver cancer stays on, and the constant fear and torment remain. Now, a new study of a drug trial for hepatitis B patients has given hope to millions.

The trial saw 1 in 5 patients with chronic hepatitis B infection getting cured. The 24-week test had 1,838 patients from 29 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. The research published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that 20% of patients got a functional cure, and no virus was detected in them after 48 hours.

The drug, bepirovirsen, is made by Ionis Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline and can stop the virus from replicating itself while giving the immune system a chance to eradicate it. The treatment process will be done by administering an injection once a week. Notably, GlaxoSmithKline has already applied to the Food and Drug Administration for approval to market the drug.

Though there was an option of vaccination to prevent the disease, still, millions are infected. This effective functional cure option will be a great addition to the treatment of hepatitis B.

Also Read: Space Grown Stem Cells: How Are Expedition 74 Astronauts Helping To Fight Cancer?

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Many adults can clear the virus after an acute infection. Some, however, go on to develop chronic hepatitis B, which increases the risk of liver cancer, liver failure, and cirrhosis, or permanent scarring of the liver.

Also Read: Study Finds Healthy Lifestyle Reduces Cardiovascular Risk In Childhood Cancer Survivors

How Is Hepatitis B Spread?

The hepatitis B virus is highly contagious. It spreads when blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from a person who carries the virus enter the body of someone who is not infected.

Certain medical conditions, personal habits, and other circumstances can raise the risk, such as injection drug use or sexual contact, but the virus can infect anyone. Hepatitis B can also pass from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, whether through a vaginal delivery or a C-section.

How Can Hepatitis B Be Prevented?

Vaccination is the most reliable way to prevent hepatitis B. The shots offer strong protection in infancy and continue to shield individuals well into adulthood. Babies usually receive a three-dose series.

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