Most people are familiar with the dangers of high blood pressure, also called hypertension. But, did you know that low blood pressure, or hypotension, is also a dangerous condition? Since elderly adults are particularly susceptible to low blood pressure, it’s important for family caregivers to be familiar with the problem and know how to recognize it.
About Low Blood Pressure
In many cases, having low blood pressure causes no problems at all. But, if blood pressure gets too low, it can cause dizziness and fainting. When seniors get dizzy or faint, they may fall and injure themselves. And, when blood pressure gets extremely low, it could lead to death.
Blood pressure is considered low when the top number is below 90 or the bottom number is below 60. However, what might be low blood pressure for one person may not be low for another. Doctors usually don’t define a person has having low blood pressure unless it causes symptoms.
Sometimes blood pressure drops suddenly, which can be problematic. These dips are what can cause fainting. When the drop is severe, such as when a person is injured, has an infection, or experiences an allergic reaction, it can be fatal.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Certain factors put people at greater risk for having low blood pressure, such as:
Age: People over the age of 65 may experience low blood pressure when they stand up or after they eat.
Medicines: Some drugs can have low blood pressure as a side effect.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions make a person more likely to have low blood pressure.
Some of the medical conditions that can cause low blood pressure are:
- Some heart problems.
- Thyroid conditions.
- Dehydration.
- Septicemia.
- Anaphylaxis.
- Malnutrition.
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
When a senior experiences a drop in blood pressure, they may have the following symptoms:
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Blurry vision.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Trouble concentrating.
In severe cases, low blood pressure can cause shock. The symptoms of shock are:
- Skin that is pale, cold, and clammy.
- Breathing that is shallow and fast.
- A pulse that is fast and weak.
Because elderly adults are susceptible to low blood pressure when they stand, it can be helpful for an elderly care aide to stand close by when your aging relative gets up from a chair. Elderly care providers should also be mindful of symptoms and report them to the senior’s doctor as they may indicate another medical problem.
Sources: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/GettheFactsAboutHighBloodPressure/Low-Blood-Pressure—When-Blood-Pressure-Is-Too-Low_UCM_301785_Article.jsp#.Wtiro4jwbIU
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20355465
https://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-basics
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elderly Care Services in Rock Hill SC, please call the caring staff at BlueDot Cares today, (704) 586-9248.
Jimmy Clonaris is Managing Partner at BlueDot Cares, where he oversees operations, caregiver standards, and service delivery for in-home care across the organization. With more than 19 years of experience in healthcare and over a decade with BlueDot, he has been directly involved in building and scaling care programs that support individuals aging at home.
His work focuses on the practical side of care delivery. This includes caregiver training and oversight, care plan consistency, and coordination with families and local healthcare professionals. Jimmy is actively involved in ensuring that care is not only well-structured on paper, but executed reliably in the home.
Over the course of his career, he has worked with thousands of families navigating care decisions, from short-term recovery support to long-term in-home care. His approach is grounded in clear communication, accountability, and building systems that allow caregivers to deliver consistent, high-quality support.
Under his leadership, BlueDot Cares has grown to support tens of thousands of families while maintaining a locally operated, relationship-driven model. He continues to focus on strengthening the team, improving care standards, and ensuring families have a dependable partner when care is needed.
