Low blood pressure test and diagnosis

The article was professionally consulted with Doctor General Internal Medicine - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Clinically, manifestations of low blood pressure are not as aggressive as hypertension and can sometimes be confused with other diseases such as vestibular disorders, cerebral circulatory insufficiency. Therefore, to accurately diagnose low blood pressure, it is necessary to perform subclinical tests such as echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, blood test...
Paraclinical tests aim to determine the pathological cause of low blood pressure to serve the treatment process effectively and timely. Tests and diagnoses for low blood pressure that your doctor may recommend include:

A normal person's blood pressure will fluctuate around 120/80mmHg.
Low blood pressure is diagnosed when blood pressure is measured with a systolic blood pressure reading less than 85 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure less than or equal to 60 mmHg.
Measurement of blood pressure can be done with a mechanical monitor or an electronic sphygmomanometer. To diagnose low blood pressure, it is necessary to measure blood pressure several times a day at different times and continuously for several days in a row.

Blood test results will help to assess your overall health, check if you have hypoglycemia, diabetes or anemia, because these diseases can cause blood pressure to be lower than normal.
Factors to consider in blood tests related to blood pressure: blood sugar index, types of blood cells, especially red blood cells (to evaluate anemia) and white blood cells (to determine the existence of blood pressure). presence of infection) and cardiac enzyme indices.

Electrocardiogram helps to detect abnormalities in heart structure, heart rate, heart's ability to contract and pump blood away. Electrocardiograms also help detect signs of past and ongoing heart attacks.
In some cases, on the results of the electrocardiogram, some abnormal signs appear and then disappear. At that time, the patient will be asked to wear an electrocardiogram monitor for 24 hours (Holter Monitor) to be able to monitor and check the heart's activity for 1 day, supporting a more accurate diagnosis.

Echocardiography helps to accurately assess abnormalities in heart structure and function. The ultrasonic waves are transmitted, the echo is recorded by the transducer, and the computer then uses the information from the transducer to create a moving image on the screen.

Echocardiography during strenuous activity will help doctors accurately diagnose the cause of low blood pressure as a cardiac cause or a non-cardiac problem.
When performing this method, the patient will have to exercise such as walking or jogging; If you cannot exercise, you may be given stimulants to make your heart work harder. This process is monitored by electrocardiogram or echocardiogram, and blood pressure is also monitored.

Valsalva method (Valsalva or autonomic nervous system) is a method to help analyze heart rate and blood pressure after a cycle of deep breathing. Check blood pressure on a tilt table: this method is to assess the body's response to changes in posture. The patient lies on an inclined table, lifting the upper body, simulating the movement from a horizontal to a vertical position. Blood pressure is not simply a matter of the circulatory system, it involves all parts of the body. Accurate diagnosis of the pathology of blood pressure in general and low blood pressure in particular is essential in treatment. Choose a reputable and quality medical facility for the most optimal and timely examination and treatment.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the leading prestigious hospital in the examination, detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including the implementation of modern and advanced blood pressure measurement methods.