Circulatory weakness

Synonyms in a broader sense

Hypotension, orthostatic dysfunction, low blood pressure, "black before eyes"

English: poor circulation of the blood, circulatory insufficiency

introduction

If you are under a Circulatory weakness suffers, there is usually no need to worry too much. It arises because that brain not enough for a short time blood is taken care of, which makes you feel a bit lightheaded and weak. The cause of this is blood pressure that is too low, which either generally exists and has often not yet been determined or only occurs for a short time, for example when getting up.

definition

A Hypotension is by definition when the systolic Blood pressure reading (the value that is usually mentioned first or above) is less than 105 mmHg. The second value, called diastolic blood pressure, is less important for blood flow, but is usually found in people with hypotension below 65mmHg.

Epidemiology

The Circulatory weakness and lower Blood pressure are very common phenomena. However, the symptoms are often only minor, so that those affected do not see a doctor and therefore no diagnosis is made.
Therefore, it is not possible to make an exact statement about how far this disease is actually spread. Certain groups of the population suffer more from low blood pressure, especially young, slim women, but also women during pregnancy or thin, elderly people.

causes

Circulatory weakness is caused by low blood pressure (Hypotension). This can have various causes. In most cases, no cause for low blood pressure can be identified, except that it is noteworthy that slim, female, young people in particular suffer from it.
In this case one speaks of primary hypotension. It is assumed that various factors, including genetic predisposition, infections and environmental influences, play a role in the development of circulatory weakness.
In contrast, secondary hypotension always has a tangible cause. These include diseases of the cardiovascular system that are associated with restricted heart pumping (heart failure), hormonal disorders (such as an underactive thyroid), massive bleeding or other pronounced loss of fluid (dehydration) or certain medications.

More information can be found here: low blood pressure, symptoms of a heart attack

Circulatory weakness can also occur as a result of a blood donation, especially if sports are played out after the blood donation.
Read more about this under: Exercise after donating blood

diagnosis

The most obvious means of proving an existing circulatory weakness due to low blood pressure is of course to measure blood pressure. If the systolic blood pressure is below 130mmHg, the diagnosis of hypotension is established.

In order to be able to classify the type and causes of the circulatory weakness more precisely, the detailed questioning (anamnese) of the person concerned. Information about previous illnesses, medication, eating habits and the times and situations in which the circulatory weakness becomes noticeable is important for the doctor. If it only occurs when you move from lying down to standing, there is a special form, namely the so-called orthostasis syndrome (orthostatic dysregulation).

The most important test in the diagnosis of circulatory weakness is the "Schellong test". This test first measures the patient's blood pressure and heart rate for five to ten minutes while lying down. The patient is then asked to stand up, after which the blood pressure and pulse are measured while standing over a period of time. The relationship between the measured values ​​allows a better assessment of the performance of the cardiovascular system. If the systolic blood pressure value drops by at least 20mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure value by at least 10mmHg, this strongly suggests a simple circulatory weakness without organic involvement, i.e. orthostatic dysregulation.

Read more about this test at: Schellong Test - An examination of the circulatory function

forecast

In contrast to the high blood pressure If the blood pressure is too low, the prognosis is good as it does not damage the blood vessels in the long term. If the circulatory weakness is not caused by organic damage, then it can even be associated with an increased life expectancy.

If one is careful to consistently follow the general measures to promote blood pressure, treatment with medication can usually be bypassed entirely. The greatest danger with the disease is actually that sufferers because of dizziness and faint and injure yourself in the process.

If only the special form of circulatory weakness, orthostatic dysregulation, is present, then in most cases this disappears on its own with increasing age.

prophylaxis

As far as possible, people who want to become one should consider Circulatory weakness tend to avoid prolonged standing. However, if this cannot be avoided, you can achieve an increase in blood pressure by making slight regular movements, crossing and pressing your legs together.

If you have fainted due to circulatory weakness, you should be extra careful to avoid complications Falls to avoid. So, for example, you should always be careful not to get up too quickly and at the first sign of the Circulatory weakness immediately lie down and put your legs up to allow blood to flow back to the Heart to force.

Summary

Slender, young women in particular are often affected by poor circulation, which is typically noticeable when changing positions from lying down to standing or after standing for a long time. Then they black out, they get dizzy, and besides, it happens a headache and ringing in the ears. In the worst case, these symptoms lead to collapse. Those affected usually suffer from low blood pressure, which can persist for a long time without being noticeable. In one of the above-mentioned additional stressful situations, more blood sinks into the legs (after getting up, for example, up to 600ml!) And the blood pressure continues to drop. The symptoms of poor circulation arise from the fact that less blood and therefore less oxygen reach the brain due to the reduced pumping capacity of the heart.

In most cases, however, the poor circulation can be brought under control by general measures that stimulate blood circulation and increase blood pressure, such as sporting activities, sufficient amounts of water to drink, alternate showers or simply a cup of coffee. If the patient is careful to adhere to these preventive measures and to avoid triggering situations, there is no need for drug treatment, unless the low blood pressure is caused by another disease that is accompanied by other symptoms and complications, such as heart disease. Circulatory diseases or a Hypothyroidism.