A sudden drop in blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can be caused by various factors, including:
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Postural hypotension: This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing from a sitting position or after lying down. It happens when your cardiovascular or nervous system doesnt react appropriately to sudden position changes.
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Dehydration: When the body doesnt have enough water, the amount of blood in the body (blood volume) decreases, which can cause blood pressure to drop.
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Medications: Some over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as those for high blood pressure, depression, or Parkinsons disease, can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
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Heart problems: A heart attack, heart failure, heart valve disease, and an extremely low heart rate (bradycardia) can cause low blood pressure.
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Blood loss: Losing a lot of blood, such as from an injury or internal bleeding, can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
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Other factors: Heat exhaustion or heat stroke, liver disease, bed rest for long periods, and anemia caused by shortages of vitamin B12, iron, and folate can also cause hypotension.
A sudden fall in blood pressure can be dangerous, and a change of just 20 mm Hg can cause dizziness and fainting. Big drops, such as those caused by uncontrolled bleeding, severe infections, or allergic reactions, can be life-threatening. Extreme low blood pressure can lead to a condition known as shock, which can cause symptoms such as unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, and cold, clammy skin.
