From the Guidelines
No, a blood pressure reading of 30/60 mmHg is not a valid or physiologically possible measurement, as the systolic pressure (top number) is always higher than the diastolic pressure (bottom number) in a normal blood pressure reading.
Definition of Hypotension
Hypotension is generally defined as a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mmHg, with the systolic pressure being lower than 90 mmHg and the diastolic pressure being lower than 60 mmHg 1.
Physiological Impossibility
A reading of 30/60 would indicate that the pressure during heart relaxation is higher than during contraction, which is physiologically impossible in the circulatory system.
Clinical Implications
If such a reading were obtained, it would likely represent an error in measurement technique, equipment malfunction, or incorrect recording of the values.
Normal Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg.
Importance of Accurate Measurement
If you're concerned about low blood pressure, it's essential to have it properly measured by a healthcare professional using calibrated equipment and correct technique.
Autoregulatory Threshold
According to a study published in Intensive Care Medicine in 2018 1, when mean arterial pressure decreases below an autoregulatory threshold of 60–65 mm Hg, organ perfusion becomes pressure-dependent.
Clinical Practice
In clinical practice, increasing mean arterial pressure with norepinephrine improves microcirculatory perfusion in patients with refractory hypotension 1.
Key Points
- A blood pressure reading of 30/60 mmHg is not valid or physiologically possible.
- Hypotension is generally defined as a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mmHg.
- Accurate measurement of blood pressure is crucial in clinical practice.
From the FDA Drug Label
Restoration of Blood Pressure in Acute Hypotensive States Blood volume depletion should always be corrected as fully as possible before any vasopressor is administered. After observing the response to an initial dose of 2 mL to 3 mL (from 8 mcg to 12 mcg of base) per minute, adjust the rate of flow to establish and maintain a low normal blood pressure (usually 80 mm Hg to 100 mm Hg systolic) sufficient to maintain the circulation to vital organs
Hypotension is generally defined as a blood pressure reading that is lower than normal. A blood pressure reading of 30/60 mmHg is significantly lower than the target blood pressure range of 80 mm Hg to 100 mm Hg systolic mentioned in the label.
- The label does not provide a specific definition of hypotension, but it does imply that a blood pressure reading of 30/60 mmHg would be considered hypotensive.
- Therefore, yes, it is possible to have hypotension with a blood pressure reading of 30/60 mmHg 2
From the Research
Definition of Hypotension
- Hypotension is generally defined as a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg 3
- However, the definition of hypotension may vary depending on the age of the patient, with older patients requiring a higher systolic blood pressure to be considered normotensive 3
- A blood pressure reading of 30/60 mmHg would be considered hypotensive by most definitions
Diastolic Blood Pressure and Hypotension
- A diastolic blood pressure of less than 60 mmHg has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events 4
- A diastolic blood pressure between 70 and 80 mmHg may be considered an optimal target for patients with high cardiovascular risk and a treated systolic blood pressure less than 130 mmHg 4
- A blood pressure reading of 30/60 mmHg would have a diastolic blood pressure within the range associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events
Clinical Implications
- Patients with hypotension, including those with a blood pressure reading of 30/60 mmHg, may require fluid resuscitation and other interventions to improve blood pressure and prevent organ hypoperfusion 5, 6, 7
- The choice of fluid for resuscitation, such as lactated Ringer's solution or normal saline, may depend on various factors, including the patient's underlying condition and the presence of any comorbidities 5, 6, 7