In my professional experience, there are two fundamental reasons for low blood pressure – inadequate blood flow and inadequate blood pumped by the heart. As an endocrinologist with more than 30 years of studying, researching and practicing the science of metabolism and medicine, I know there is a relationship between low blood pressure and metabolism. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can cause increased catabolism because of inadequate intake, meaning metabolism affects the underlying process that also involves low blood pressure.
Blood pressure is considered an essential component of metabolic syndrome. In the article below, I provide details about low blood pressure, why it happens, and some prevention tips. It is also essential to understand the metabolism pathway, with catabolism as the underlying cause. A metabolic pathway is a linked series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell. Each metabolic pathway comprises a series of biochemical responses connected by their intermediates. Regarding metabolism, there are two metabolic pathways to consider: anabolic and catabolic.
Anabolism is a constructive metabolism process designed to build, store, and support the growth of new cells for future use. In anabolism, small molecules transform into more complex molecules of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Catabolism is destructive metabolism and the process that produces the energy needed for all activity in the cells. To release energy, cells break down large molecules. This enables the muscles to contract and the body to move.
The metabolic pathway is defined by a series of responses, including the pathways of metabolism types. All metabolic changes and metabolism types occur in multiple reactions and follow a particular metabolic pathway. The metabolite flow and the direction in which metabolism types take place are called the dynamic state of body constituents.
Preventing low blood pressure will help the metabolic process, which is why it is important to learn more. The best position against any disease or disorder is to start with education and knowledge.
Understanding diabetes from various points along this progressive disease is vital. To understand metabolism and medicine, including how it relates to blood pressure and other underlying disorders, look at my book of the same title. Metabolism & Medicine: The Physics of Biological Engines, Volume I, explores areas of modern physics with significant implications for biology and medicine. For a deeper understanding of diabetes and metabolism, order “Metabolism & Medicine” on Amazon.
This is What Causes Low Blood Pressure
By: Heather Newgen | 2.24.22
Having low pressure (hypotension) might not seem like a big deal, but it could indicate an underlying problem. For many people, low blood pressure goes unnoticed. Others could feel dizzy or faint or experience blurred vision. In severe cases, low blood pressure can be life-threatening. “Low blood pressure causes a lack of blood supply carrying glucose and oxygen to tissues and organ systems,” says endocrinologist Brian Fertig, MD, FACE, founder and president of the Diabetes & Osteoporosis Center. “As a result, there is inadequate energy for the proper function of these tissues and organ systems.” According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, low blood pressure is considered anything less than 90/60. Fertig talked with ETNT Health about what causes low blood pressure and how to help prevent it. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
What is Low Blood Pressure?
“Low blood pressure should not be defined by a number per se, but rather the level below which symptoms occur for a given person,” says Fertig. “Lightheadedness and dizziness while standing are the most suggestive symptoms of low blood pressure. At more severe levels, confusion and even loss of consciousness may occur. Symptoms may be worse after eating because circulation is directed to the gut, further compromising blood flow to the brain. At very low blood pressures there may be insufficient blood supply to other tissues in the body, such as the kidney, impairing function, or the heart, causing chest pain.”
Why Low Blood Pressure Happens
Fertig says there are two fundamental reasons why low blood pressure occurs. “First, the heart does not pump blood adequately to the organs and tissues of the body. This may or may not be due to heart disease,” he says. “Second, inadequate blood flow may be due to over dilated blood vessels from such causes as severe bacterial infection and adrenal gland or thyroid hormonal insufficiencies.”
How Low Blood Sugar Affects Blood Pressure
“Low blood sugar promotes the release of catecholamines (adrenaline) and cortisol from the adrenal gland to stimulate the liver to output glucose into the blood to restore normal blood sugar levels,” says Fertig.
Common Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Fertig says low blood pressure may be caused by:
- Dehydration
- Heart disease
- Sepsis or severe bacterial infections
- Blood loss (such as intestinal bleeding from a stomach ulcer)
- Anti-hypertensive medications
- Hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency, because both thyroid hormone and cortisol promote adrenaline, which constricts blood vessels
- Pituitary tumors, which damage the function of regulatory hormones that stimulate the release of thyroid and adrenal hormones
How Can You Prevent Low Blood Pressure?
“Adequate hydration, treatment of hormonal disorders, heart disease and infections, cautious use of blood pressure-lowering drugs, and correction of bleeding disorders” can prevent low blood pressure, says Fertig. And to ensure your health, don’t miss these 101 Health Habits You Didn’t Know Were Deadly.