It is not always bad news. Low blood pressure can be a sign of good health in people who are very fit and have a slow pulse. As a bonus, people with low blood pressure tend to lead longer lives.

You can also experience low blood pressure from overheating; having too little blood circulating (from blood donation or bleeding heavily); being dehydrated; being pregnant; taking one of many different types of medicine; or having a lot of drugs or alcohol in your system.

Certain medical conditions may also cause your blood pressure to drop. These include allergic reactions, infections, certain heart conditions, nutritional deficiencies or severe pain.

There is also a type of low blood pressure called ‘postural hypotension’ where blood pressure drops suddenly when a person stands, making them feel dizzy.

Low blood pressure can cause some unpleasant symptoms. These include:

• Light headedness or dizziness
• Weakness
• Blurry vision
• Pale, clammy skin
• Fatigue
• Fainting

See your doctor if you think you have symptoms of low blood pressure as an underlying cause may need treatment. But if it isn’t causing you problems, treatment won’t be needed.

Your doctor may advise that you take precautions to prevent episodes of low blood pressure, such as avoiding dehydration, hot showers, or standing up too quickly.