Lowering blood pressure: How low should you go?
High blood pressure wreaks havoc in the circulatory system. It is a key contributor to heart attack and stroke. However, blood pressure that is too low can lead to problems such as blurry vision, dizziness, confusion, and fainting, which can diminish quality of life, especially in older people. In recognition of the trade-off between lower risk of cardiovascular disease and overall well-being, experts from three major heart groups have issued an updated set of blood pressure guidelines that call for a flexible approach in designing medication regimens for treating hypertension.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Source matters. Subscribe to HarvardHealthOnline+ FREE for 30 days for unlimited access to the site – where all content is reviewed by an HMS physician or faculty expert.
With HHO+ you get these exclusive benefits:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
SPECIAL OFFER! UNLOCK EXPERT ACCESS for 30 days FREE!
Already a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
