What is a common cause of low blood pressure?

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Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can commonly arise from dehydration or blood loss. When the body is dehydrated, there is a reduced volume of blood, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure. Additionally, significant blood loss from an injury or internal bleeding decreases the overall blood volume circulating through the body, resulting in lower blood pressure readings.

This physiological response occurs because blood pressure is dependent on the volume of blood in the circulatory system; a lower volume means there is less pressure on the blood vessel walls. Maintaining adequate fluid intake and monitoring blood loss is crucial in preventing hypotension.

The other factors mentioned, such as obesity, high salt intake, and extreme anxiety, can influence blood pressure, but they do not commonly lead to low blood pressure in the same way that dehydration or blood loss does.

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