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Low blood pressure

Low blood pressure often causes no problems at all. It only usually needs attention if it gives you symptoms.

What counts as low

“Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does.”

Symptoms

Symptoms of low blood pressure can include:

  • lightheadedness or dizziness
  • feeling sick
  • blurred vision
  • generally feeling weak
  • confusion
  • fainting

Feeling dizzy when you stand up

If symptoms come on when you stand up or change position, this may be postural hypotension. NICE defines it as a fall in the top number of 20 mmHg or more, or in the bottom number of 10 mmHg or more, after standing for at least 1 minute.

When to get help

The NHS blood pressure tool says: if you have a low reading and get symptoms such as dizziness and fainting, ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111.

The NHS low blood pressure page also says to see a GP if you keep getting symptoms such as dizziness and fainting.

NHS England’s pharmacy guidance gives pharmacists this guide for readings below 90/60: regular fainting or falls means seeing a GP the same day; dizziness, feeling sick or tiredness means seeing a GP within 3 weeks; and with no symptoms, a recheck in a year.

Checked against NHS and NICE guidance on . See all official sources.