Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when blood pressure readings fall below 90/60 mmHg. While often less discussed than hypertension, dangerously low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and fatigue. Severe hypotension may lead to shock, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Causes include dehydration, heart problems, or certain medications. Understanding how low blood pressure affects health is crucial for preventing complications. Regular monitoring helps identify when low blood pressure becomes a risk. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional to manage hypotension risks effectively and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.What causes extreme low blood pressureBlood pressure measures the force your blood exerts against your artery walls as your heart pumps. It is recorded with two numbers: systolic pressure (when your heart beats) over diastolic pressure (when your heart rests). A normal reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure is generally considered to be below 90/60 mmHg. However, this threshold is not a one-size-fits-all.Several factors can cause blood pressure to drop below healthy levels:Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive loss of fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea reduces blood volume, leading to hypotension.Heart conditions: Slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, or heart failure can impair the heart’s ability to pump effectively.Endocrine issues: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and low blood sugar can disrupt blood pressure regulation.Blood loss: Significant bleeding from injury or internal causes reduces blood volume, causing dangerous drops.Infections: Severe infections entering the bloodstream (septicemia) can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure known as septic shock.Medications: Some drugs, including certain blood pressure medicines, diuretics, and antidepressants, may lower blood pressure excessively, causing dizziness, fatigue, and increased fall risk.Symptoms that indicate blood pressure is too lowLow blood pressure becomes dangerous when it causes symptoms, including:Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quicklyFainting or near-fainting spellsBlurred vision or tunnel visionFatigue and weaknessNauseaIn severe cases, cold, clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, a weak and rapid pulse, and confusion can occur, signaling shock, which requires immediate medical attention.If youexperience these symptoms, it’s a sign your blood pressure might be too low and affecting vital organs.When is low blood pressure dangerous Low blood pressure isn’t always harmful. Many healthy individuals have naturally low readings without symptoms. However, it becomes dangerous when the heart and brain don’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients due to insufficient blood flow. This can lead to:Falls and injuries from faintingOrgan damage from prolonged low blood pressureShock, which is life-threatening and requires urgent careIt’s essential to assess low blood pressure in the context of symptoms and overall health.How to manage and treat extreme low blood pressureIf your blood pressure is too low and causing symptoms, several steps can help:Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluidsIncrease salt intake, but only under doctor supervisionEat small, frequent meals to avoid sudden drops after eatingAvoid alcohol, which can lower blood pressureRise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizzinessCompression stockings may help reduce blood pooling in legsMedications may be prescribed in some cases to raise blood pressureAlways consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs.Also read | What’s causing your headaches? 10 common triggers you didn't know about