Low blood pressure occurs when blood pressure readings fall below 90/60 mmHg. This condition prevents sufficient oxygen and nutrients from reaching the organs, especially the brain, heart, and kidneys. Dr. Nguyen Hoai Vu, from the Cardiology Department of Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, explains that common causes include genetics, poor nutrition, skipping meals, lack of exercise, stress, and sleep deprivation. Low blood pressure can also result from dehydration, blood loss, medication side effects, or underlying conditions such as anemia and endocrine disorders.

Vertigo, on the other hand, is a dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear and brain, affecting balance and spatial orientation. Causes can include nervous tension, overwork, and sudden changes in posture.

Both low blood pressure and vertigo can affect young people, especially office workers, those in stressful jobs, individuals with limited physical activity, insufficient sleep, and irregular lifestyles. These conditions are more common in thin women, people who skip meals, have poor diets, or experience excessive weight loss.

Vertigo is more frequent in older adults due to vascular and nervous system degeneration, problems with blood circulation to the brain, hearing issues, cervical spine problems, and peripheral neuropathy. Individuals with underlying conditions such as cerebrovascular insufficiency, otitis media, cervical spondylosis, and acoustic neuroma are also at higher risk for vertigo.

Dr. Vu offers guidance on differentiating between the two conditions based on characteristic symptoms. Low blood pressure typically causes mild dizziness upon standing up suddenly, during hunger, sleep deprivation, or fatigue. It is often accompanied by cold hands and feet, pale skin, and occasionally a rapid heartbeat, but rarely nausea. Conversely, vertigo causes a spinning sensation, a feeling of tilting or swaying, loss of balance, and nausea. These symptoms are exacerbated by changes in posture or rapid head movements, and are rarely accompanied by cold extremities or a rapid heartbeat. Individuals experiencing dizziness can use a home blood pressure monitor. If blood pressure is normal and dizziness is accompanied by tinnitus, loss of balance, and significant nausea, vertigo is more likely.

If dizziness or lightheadedness persists or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms like fainting, altered consciousness, or limb weakness, medical attention is necessary. Self-treating with blood pressure medication, vertigo medication, or sedatives without a clear diagnosis can be counterproductive and may worsen the condition.

To prevent low blood pressure and vertigo, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial. This includes a balanced diet, regular meals (especially breakfast), adequate hydration, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake. Regular, gentle exercise, avoiding prolonged sitting, 7-8 hours of sleep per night, stress reduction, and avoiding overwork are also recommended. When changing positions, do so slowly to avoid sudden movements.

Ly Nguyen