(Hypotension)
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- What is hypotension?
- Symptoms of hypotension
- Causes of hypotension
- Prevention of hypotension
- Risk factors for hypotension
- Complications of hypotension
- When to see a doctor about hypotension
- Diagnosis of hypotension
- Conventional treatment of hypotension
- Alternative/complementary treatment of hypotension
- Living with hypotension
- Caring for someone with hypotension
Diagnosis of hypotension (low blood pressure)
Initially, when diagnosing low blood pressure, the following tests are done:
- Medical history - the doctor will take a full medical history about the duration and severity of symptoms and also when they started. The doctor will ask many questions about any related symptoms too
- Blood pressure measurement - this is a routine test that either involves a manual or electronic measurement of the blood pressure. If it is low, then further tests may be done if it is warranted
- Blood test - a blood test can determine if conditions such as anaemia or hypoglycaemia are present, both of which can lower blood pressure more than normal through either low iron (or haemoglobin) levels or due to low blood glucose levels. This is one of the most common tests that are performed in order to diagnose (or rule out) low blood pressure (hypotension)
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Further tests can be done to diagnose the reason for the low blood pressure to determine if there are any other underlying (serious) reasons for the lowered blood pressure:
- Heart tests - various tests can be used to test the functioning of the heart to determine if that is the reason underlying the low blood pressure - some common heart test include echocardiogram, stress test
- Electrocardiogram - this is a a machine which, when hooked up with electronic cords and wires to specific parts of the body tests the electrical activity of the heart. This test is ordered if an underlying heart problem is suspected
- Stress test - this test involves being hooked up with electronic wires while on a treadmill. The test involves walking on the treadmill at a flat level and then it is inclined and the pace is increased. This test is used to determine if any exercise puts stress on the heart, is an underlying heart problem is suspected
- Tilt test - this involves being strapped to a table and being titled to determine if the low blood pressure is due to quickly standing up after lying or sitting down
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< 7: when to see a doctor 9: conventional treatment > Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
