Description
Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, is a condition where the blood pressure falls below normal levels.
Hypotension can be caused by various factors, including:
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Certain medications
- Standing up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension)
- Infection
- Heart problems
- Severe allergic reactions
The following test are included:
Aldosterone /Plasma Renin Activity Ratio
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Cortisol
Free T4
Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Fasting not required.
Additional information below:
A low aldosterone/plasma renin activity (ARR) ratio in the context of hypotension indicates that the body is not producing enough aldosterone relative to the amount of renin, which is typically seen in situations where the body is trying to compensate for low blood pressure by activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, but the adrenal glands are not responding adequately, potentially pointing towards adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) or a state of significant sodium loss.
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) can be used to help investigate the potential causes of hypotension (low blood pressure) by assessing the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood, as low RBC levels, indicating anemia, can contribute to low blood pressure; however, a CBC alone cannot directly diagnose hypotension as it only measures blood cell counts and not blood pressure itself.
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) cannot directly diagnose hypotension (low blood pressure) as it primarily measures blood components like glucose, electrolytes (sodium, potassium), liver enzymes, and kidney function markers, not blood pressure itself; however, abnormal results on a CMP, particularly electrolyte imbalances, can sometimes be indicative of underlying conditions that could contribute to hypotension, prompting further investigation by a healthcare provider.
Low cortisol levels can cause hypotension, or low blood pressure. This can occur due to adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol.
Low levels of free T4 (FT4) in the blood can occur due to a number of possible reasons, including hypothyroidism, malnutrition, or certain medications.
While a direct link between hypotension (low blood pressure) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) isn't always clear-cut, studies suggest that low thyroid function, indicated by elevated TSH levels, can sometimes be associated with an increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), and in some cases, may contribute to hypotension through its effects on the cardiovascular system; meaning that significantly elevated TSH levels, often associated with hypothyroidism, could potentially contribute to low blood pressure in certain individuals.
