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Low blood pressure: numbers, symptoms, and causes
Key takeaways
- Blood pressure lower than 90/60 mm Hg is generally considered low (NHLBI).
- Many people with low readings feel fine — low blood pressure is only a problem if it causes symptoms or comes from a health issue.
- Common symptoms: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, blurry vision, nausea, tiredness.
- Sudden low blood pressure with confusion, cold clammy skin, or fainting can be an emergency — call 911.
Low blood pressure, called hypotension, means the force of blood against your artery walls is lower than usual. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) describes blood pressure lower than 90/60 mm Hg as low. Normal for most adults is below 120/80.
Low, normal, and high blood pressure at a glance
| Category | Typical reading |
|---|---|
| Low (hypotension) | Lower than 90/60 |
| Normal | Below 120/80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 / below 80 |
| High (hypertension) | 130/80 or higher |
See the full blood pressure readings chart for all stages.
Types of low blood pressure
- Long-term low blood pressure that's simply normal for you — common in young, active people — and causes no problems.
- A sudden drop, for example when standing up quickly (often called orthostatic or postural hypotension) or after a meal. This is more common in older adults.
- Low blood pressure from a health problem, which can reduce blood flow to the brain, heart, and other organs.
Low blood pressure symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. When they happen, the NHLBI lists:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Tiredness or weakness
- Blurry vision, headache, or neck or back pain
- Nausea
- Heart palpitations
What causes low blood pressure?
- Dehydration or blood loss
- Heart problems, such as some arrhythmias
- Diabetes and nervous system conditions such as Parkinson's disease
- Medicines, including those for high blood pressure, depression, or Parkinson's
- Pregnancy
When to get help
Talk to your doctor if you often feel dizzy or faint, or if your readings drop after starting a new medicine — don't stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Call 911 if someone faints and doesn't wake quickly, or has confusion, cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, or a weak, fast pulse; these can be signs of shock.
Simple steps that may help everyday dizziness
- Stand up slowly, especially after lying down or sitting for a long time.
- Drink enough fluids, particularly in hot weather or when ill.
- Note when symptoms happen — after meals, on standing, after a dose — and share it with your doctor.
Tracking low readings in Cardivo
Log cuff readings and how you felt (dizzy, tired, fine) in Cardivo, alongside your heart rate. A pattern like "low readings plus a fast pulse every morning" is much easier for your doctor to act on than a memory. Cardivo is a wellness journal, not a medical device.
This guide is general wellness education based on the public sources below. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cardivo is not a medical device. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered low blood pressure?
The NHLBI generally considers blood pressure lower than 90/60 mm Hg to be low. Whether it matters depends on whether you have symptoms or an underlying cause.
Is low blood pressure dangerous?
Often it isn't — many healthy people run low with no symptoms. It becomes a concern when it causes dizziness or fainting, drops suddenly, or signals a health problem like dehydration, blood loss, or a heart condition.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
Dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, tiredness, blurry vision, nausea, and palpitations. Many people have no symptoms.
Is 100/60 low blood pressure?
100/60 is above the commonly used 90/60 threshold and is often normal, especially for younger, active adults. If you have symptoms, talk with your doctor.