Prevention/illnesses | 9.4.2026
Low blood pressure (hypotension): symptoms and causes
Whilst low blood pressure is usually harmless, it can cause dizziness, fatigue or concentration problems, and does carry a risk of fainting and falls. Dr Gözde Polat, specialist in general internal medicine at Ärztezentrum Liestal, explains how to recognise the warning signs and restabilise your circulation.
What is low blood pressure (hypotension)?
In general, low blood pressure is a reading of below 100/60 mmHg in women and below 110/70 mmHg in men. The first number (systolic) measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls when the heart beats, while the second number (diastolic) measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls while the heart muscle rests between beats.
A single reading does not tell you very much. For a more reliable picture, it is better to take the average of a series of home blood pressure readings at the same time over several days.
“Low blood pressure is not usually problematic in young, healthy people,” says Dr Gözde Polat. This is not the case with high blood pressure, where it is important to take measures to lower your blood pressure. “It is not the readings alone that make the difference, but the impact on your health. Symptoms such as severe dizziness, repeated fainting or issues that impact your daily life should be taken seriously. And anyone experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath or palpitations should seek immediate medical attention.”
