Hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is a reading around 120/80 mmHg (mmHg = millimeters of mercury, a unit for measuring pressure). Hypotension is blood pressure that is lower than 90/60 mmHg.

Some people have low blood pressure all the time. They have no signs or symptoms and their low readings are normal for them. In other people, blood pressure drops below normal because of some event or medical condition. Hypotension is a medical concern only if it causes signs and/or symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or, in extreme cases, shock (a medical emergency resulting from insufficient blood supply).

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