What causes low blood pressure in the elderly?

Generally, low blood pressure in the elderly may be caused by genetic factors, postural changes, anemia, hypothyroidism, heart failure, and other reasons. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Genetic Factors

Genetic factors play an important role in blood pressure regulation. Some elderly individuals may inherently have lower blood pressure due to familial predisposition. In daily life, they should maintain a balanced diet and engage in moderate physical activity.

2. Postural Changes

The elderly often have reduced adaptability to postural changes. When standing up quickly from a lying or sitting position, gravity causes blood to pool in the lower limbs, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply and resulting in orthostatic hypotension. It is important to take self-protective measures during position changes, such as rising slowly.

3. Anemia

Anemia in the elderly is commonly caused by malnutrition or chronic diseases. Anemia leads to reduced blood volume, affecting the pressure of blood against the vessel walls, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. It may be accompanied by pallor and fatigue. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, Ejiao Blood-enriching Granules, and Yiqi Weixue Granules for treatment.

4. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is primarily caused by insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones. This condition reduces the body's metabolic rate, slows circulation, and decreases cardiac output, thereby leading to low blood pressure. Symptoms may include fatigue and constipation. Treatment should be conducted under medical guidance using medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, and selenium yeast tablets.

5. Heart Failure

Primary myocardial damage, disease, and excessive cardiac load are all contributing factors to heart failure. In heart failure, both systolic and diastolic functions of the heart are impaired, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively. This results in decreased peripheral circulation and subsequently low blood pressure. Symptoms may include dyspnea and edema. Medications such as digoxin tablets, furosemide tablets, and nitroglycerin tablets should be used according to medical instructions.

Elderly individuals should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and regular monitoring of their health status, to stabilize blood pressure and prevent the occurrence of hypotension.