Diseases & Conditions

Low blood pressure is a medical condition characterised by blood pressure readings that fall below the thresholds of 90 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) for systolic and 60 mm Hg for diastolic measurements.  However, it’s vital to recognise that what constitutes low blood pressure can vary significantly from person to person. While some individuals may experience no discernible symptoms, others may encounter sensations of dizziness and even fainting spells. In certain cases, low blood pressure can pose a genuine threat to one’s life. The underlying causes of low blood pressure encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from relatively mild factors like dehydration to more grave medical conditions. Consequently, it is imperative to determine the root cause of an individual’s low blood pressure in order to initiate appropriate treatment if deemed necessary.

Types

1. Orthostatic Hypotension (Postural Hypotension):

• Description: Orthostatic hypotension refers to a sudden drop in blood pressure when transitioning from a seated or lying position to a standing one.
• Causes: Common causes include dehydration, extended periods of bed rest, pregnancy, specific medical conditions, and certain medications.
• Prevalence: This type of low blood pressure is particularly common among older adults.

2. Postprandial Hypotension:

• Description: Postprandial hypotension occurs approximately 1 to 2 hours after eating, leading to a decline in blood pressure.
• At-Risk group: This condition predominantly affects older adults, especially those with preexisting high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
• Management: Managing postprandial hypotension can involve dietary adjustments, such as consuming smaller, low-carbohydrate meals, increasing water intake, and abstaining from alcohol.

3. Neurally Mediated Hypotension:

• Description: Neurally mediated hypotension involves a drop in blood pressure after prolonged periods of standing.
• Affected group: This type of low blood pressure primarily impacts young adults and children and may result from miscommunication between the heart and the brain.

4. Multiple System Atrophy with Orthostatic Hypotension (Shy-Drager Syndrome):

• Description: This is a rare disorder that affects the nervous system, particularly the components responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion.
• Unique feature: It is associated with the paradoxical occurrence of very high blood pressure while lying down.

Lactose intolerance is characterized by an inability to fully digest the sugar (lactose) present in milk, resulting in gastrointestinal discomfort. Following consumption of dairy products, individuals experience symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas. This condition, known as lactose malabsorption, typically poses no serious health risks; however, its manifestations can be distressing. The primary cause of lactose intolerance is insufficient production of an enzyme called lactase in the small intestine. Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose, enabling its proper digestion. While some individuals may have lower lactase levels and still manage to process milk products without issue, a marked deficiency in lactase can lead to lactose intolerance. Consequently, consuming dairy triggers adverse symptoms, underscoring the importance of proper enzymatic activity for lactose digestion.   Colon and Small Intestine Function Within your digestive system, the small intestine and colon play essential roles. These components facilitate the digestion of the food you consume, extracting nutrients from it. While the intestines absorb vital nutrients, any unabsorbed content progresses through the digestive tract and eventually exits the body as stool during a bowel movement. Effective Management of Lactose Intolerance For many individuals with lactose intolerance, it’s possible to effectively manage the condition without completely eliminating all dairy products from their diet.