When is GP consultation recommended for low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, means blood pressure is lower than expected for an individual. Some people have no symptoms, while others feel light-headed, weak, nauseated, confused, or unsteady, especially after standing. Dehydration, illness, blood loss, medicines, heart conditions, and problems with the body’s automatic regulation can contribute. A GP can look for the reason rather than treating a reading alone.

Sit or lie down immediately if you feel faint, and stand slowly once recovered. Drink fluids unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Note readings with the time, body position, symptoms, meals, illness, and medicines. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Arrange a GP consultation when episodes recur, follow a new medicine, or make walking and daily activities unsafe.

Get emergency help after a collapse with injury, or for fainting with chest pain, severe breathlessness, a racing or irregular heartbeat, severe bleeding, new confusion, or one-sided weakness. Prompt assessment is also needed if you cannot stay awake, cannot keep fluids down, or remain very dizzy while lying down.

Ask whether your medicines, hydration, heart rhythm, blood count, or position changes could explain the episodes, and how to measure blood pressure consistently at home.