A Russian doctor warned that a sudden drop in blood pressure in people with high blood pressure or even those with normal blood pressure is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening and may, in some cases, be more dangerous than a moderate increase in blood pressure.
Professor Alexander Konkoff, head of the Department of Therapy, Pharmacology, and Pharmacy at the Russian Biotechnology University, explained that the prevailing belief that high blood pressure is the greatest risk, while low blood pressure is merely seen as feelings of fatigue that can be treated with coffee or dark chocolate, does not reflect medical reality.
He pointed out that coffee and chocolate, despite being commonly used to raise blood pressure, are not a safe or effective means, especially in cases of acute low blood pressure, emphasizing that managing this condition requires medical assessment and appropriate treatment.
Konkoff indicated that the first step is to identify the underlying cause of low blood pressure, which may result from heart or vascular disorders, endocrine diseases such as thyroid or adrenal problems, dehydration, blood loss, or may appear as a side effect of certain medications.
He noted that internal bleeding is one of the most serious potential causes of low blood pressure, given its role in sharply reducing blood flow to vital organs.
He confirmed that the greatest danger lies in tissue hypoperfusion, a condition where body organs do not receive adequate amounts of oxygen due to inadequate blood flow, which, if prolonged, can lead to cell damage and death, particularly in the brain, heart, and kidneys.