Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Cardiovascular Disorders > Vascular Disorders > Hypotension
In physiology and medicine, hypotension refers to an abnormally low blood pressure. This is best understood as a physiologic state, rather than a disease. It is often associated with shock, though not necessarily indicative of it. Hypotension is not to be confused with hypertension.
Normal physiology
Blood pressure is continuously regulated by the autonomic nervous system, using an elaborate network of receptors, nerves, and hormones to balance the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which tends to raise blood pressure, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers it. The vast and rapid compensation abilities of the autonomic nervous system allow normal individuals to maintain an acceptable blood pressure over a wide range of activities and in many disease states.
Mechanisms and Causes
Reduced blood volume, called hypovolemia, is the most common mechanism producing hypotension. This can result from hemorrhage, or blood loss; insufficient fluid intake, as in starvation; or excessive fluid losses from diarrhea or vomiting. Hypovolemia is often induced by excessive use of diuretics. (Other medications can produce hypotension by different mechanisms.) More on [ Hypotension ]
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Blood Pressure, Low: Hypotension - Medline Health information looks at this disorder. An overview and in-depth look at the causes and treatments.
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CWRU School of Medicine - This article discusses orthostatic hypotension with a brief description and details on diagnosing, tips to assist the patient, diet, salt, and medications.
Dr.T C Hain - A look at what causes orthostatic hypotension as well as diagnosing, tests, treatment by way of non-drugs as well as drugs.
NINDS Orthostatic Hypotension Information Page - Information sheet on orthostatic hypotension including the treatment and prognosis.
Meta Description: [ Orthostatic Hypotension (a sudden fall in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up) information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). ]
PPP Healthcare International - Gives general information about hypotension, discussing causes and what other medical conditions may be associated with this.
Meta Description: [ A person's blood pressure depends upon many factors including... ]
The Center for Pediatric Hypotension - Information about the investigation, evaluation, and treatment of adolescents and children with syncope, orthostatic tachycardia, and other forms of chronic orthostatic intolerance including CFS.
Meta Description: [ The Center for Pediatric Hypotension at New York Medical College exists to investigate, evaluate, and treat adolescents and children with syncope, orthostatic tachycardia, and other forms of chronic orthostatic intolerance including CFS ]
The Merck Manual - A look at the cardiac causes, symptoms, signs, diagnoses, prognosis and treatment of orthostatic hypotension and syncope.
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