Detecting the occurrence of hypotension or low blood pressure

Some tests can help identify low blood pressure and the cause for this decrease in blood pressure. These tests aim to find out whether there are any problems with the heart, brain or nervous system that is causing lower than normal blood pressure readings. Blood pressure is measured using a device with a cuff and pressure gauge. Blood pressure lower than 90/60 mm Hg is considered as low blood pressure. If your blood pressure levels are low, your doctor may order a blood test. This is done in order to test for conditions like hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or anemia. Doctors may also recommend an ECG test. This is done in order to identify irregularities in the heart rhythm or any structural abnormalities in the heart. It also identifies the blood and oxygen supply to the muscles of the heart.  Sometimes, an echocardiogram is done to identify any problems with the functioning of the heart. A stress test may also be done to study how your heart responds when it is working harder than usual. The patient may be asked to do activities like walking on a treadmill and the functioning of the heart will be monitored throughout. Nervous system functioning can be determined using the Valsalva maneuver. A tilt table test may be done to identify faulty signals from the brain, which contributes to orthostatic hypotension..