Causes and risk factors Across Europe, doctors have very
different opinions about low blood pressure, or hypotension. In
the UK, it’s usually considered to be unimportant, unless caused
by blood loss, trauma, severe infection or toxic shock. But in
countries such as Germany and France, many people take regular
medication for low blood pressure. Blood pressure is the
pressure of blood against the walls of the main arteries. Blood
pumping through arteries at a high rate is called systolic
pressure, and a low rate is called diastolic. Blood pressure is
measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as the
systolic figure followed by the diastolic. What is a normal
level? Normal blood pressure in a healthy young adult is about
110/70, but some people are quite healthy and happy with a blood
pressure as low as 90/60. These people also often have a
slightly slower pulse rate than normal (less than 70). Top-class
athletes often have low blood pressure and a slow pulse, so some
doctors believe low blood pr