When we hear about blood pressure, it's often in the context of hypertension — the "silent killer" that increases long-term risk for heart attacks and strokes. But there’s another side to the story that can be just as dangerous, if not more immediately deadly. Blood pressure is more than just a pair of numbers on your doctor’s chart—it’s a vital sign of how well your heart and blood vessels are delivering life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients to every organ in your body.

While most people are familiar with the risks of high blood pressure, the dangers of a sudden drop in blood pressure, or acute hypotension, are often underestimated and sometimes misunderstood but can such a drop be fatal? A sudden drop in blood pressure, known as acute hypotension. While occasional dizziness or lightheadedness may seem harmless, in some cases, a rapid decline in blood pressure can trigger a chain reaction that may ultimately result in organ failure or even death.

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What Happens When Blood Pressure Plummets?

Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: systolic (the pressure as your heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure as your heart rests between beats). According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a normal reading for healthy adults is under 120/80 mmHg. When blood pressure falls below 90/60 mmHg, it’s considered low, or hypotension.

A sudden decrease—even a drop of just 20 mmHg in systolic pressure—can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fainting. More severe drops can be catastrophic, as Dr. S.S. Sibia, Cardiologist & Director at Sibia Medical Center Ludhiana, explains, "A sudden loss of blood pressure, or acute hypotension, can actually lead to death. Blood pressure helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys. If BP suddenly falls, the body may not be in a state to maintain regular blood flow, leading to severe complications."

What Causes The Blood Pressure To Drop Suddenly?

There are several causes of acute hypotension, and they often intersect. Here are the most common physiological triggers:

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Hypovolemia

Decreased cardiac output

Vasodilation

Hypotensive syndrome

Dr. Yogendra Singh Rajput, Associate Director of Cardiology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, notes, "The most common cause of sudden drop in blood pressure is massive heart attack. Any massive heart attack of right side or a right coronary artery can lead to a sudden drop... ultimately the patient can die." He adds that internal bleeding — such as from a ruptured gastric ulcer — or extreme dehydration from vomiting or loose motions, are other serious culprits.

Symptoms of Sudden Low Blood Pressure

When blood pressure drops quickly, the body doesn't get enough oxygen, especially the brain. That’s why many of the early symptoms are neurologic in nature:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion or disorientation
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness
• Heart palpitations
• Cold, clammy skin
• Headache
• Rapid breathing

These signs may appear suddenly, sometimes with no warning. In severe cases, the person may lose consciousness or go into shock, a life-threatening condition. "Warning symptoms include dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, fainting, and cold or sweaty skin," says Dr. Sibia. "Some may ignore these symptoms, assuming they are insignificant, but ignoring them can delay treatment and worsen outcomes."

"Acute hypotension is a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure that can be deadly if not treated right away," says Dr. Rahul Mehrotra, Chief - NIC & Clinical Cardiology, Artemis Hospitals. "When BP gets too low, these organs don't get enough blood, which can lead to organ failure and even death." Dr. Mehrotra highlights the top medical emergencies that often result in sudden hypotension:

• Major bleeding (from trauma or internal injuries)
• Heart attack
• Sepsis, a life-threatening infection
• Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction
• Severe dehydration

He further emphasizes that not all cases of low BP are dangerous. "When blood pressure is low but not too low, it usually isn't a big deal for healthy people. But a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure should never be ignored."

How Fast Can A Drop In Blood Pressure Turn Fatal?

The progression from a sudden drop in blood pressure to life-threatening complications can be rapid. When blood flow to vital organs is interrupted, shock can develop within minutes, leading to organ failure and, if untreated, death.

Dr. Yogendra explains, "Sometime a sudden drop in the blood pressure may be because of sudden loss of fluid inside the body like severe dehydration due to loose motions, due to excessive vomiting, due to excessive blood loss, due to internal organ injury or due to internal blood loss in the form of rupture of gastric ulcer. So there are many things which can cause drop in the blood pressure and ultimately patient may succumb to death."

When Is a Low Blood Pressure considered an Emergency?

While some people live with chronically low blood pressure without symptoms, a sudden and significant drop—especially with symptoms—should always be treated as a medical emergency. Dr. Mehrotra emphasizes, "You should never ignore a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure. IV fluids, medications, and emergency procedures are all examples of timely medical care that can save lives. In short, a sudden drop in blood pressure can be deadly if you don't get help. Being able to see the warning signs early can make a big difference."

While a slight drop in blood pressure can occur from something as benign as standing up too fast, a sudden and unexplained dip should not be taken lightly. Acute hypotension is not just about numbers on a monitor — it’s about how the body responds when critical systems are deprived of oxygen-rich blood.

As Dr. Rajput puts it bluntly, "Yes, a sudden drop in blood pressure can cause sudden death." While mild, brief episodes may cause only dizziness, a rapid and significant decline can be life-threatening, especially if it signals a heart attack, severe bleeding, sepsis, or anaphylaxis. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical help can be the difference between recovery and tragedy.

Disclaimer: If you or someone around you experiences sudden and unexplained symptoms of low blood pressure, treat it as a true emergency. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, or concerns about your health.

Aging is a natural process. It happens when the rate at which our cells die begins to outpace the rate at which they regenerate. Every cell in the body has its own lifespan, for example, red blood cells live for around 100 to 120 days, while liver cells (hepatocytes) last about 200 to 300 days. Over time, as regeneration slows, the signs of aging begin to appear.

However, in some people, this process speeds up. Factors like long-term exposure to toxins, severe physical trauma, metabolic disorders such as cancer, or the failure of vital organs can push the body into premature aging. We got in touch with Dr Saurish Hegde, MD community medicine, Public health specialist who told us more about the same.

Warning Signs You May Be Aging Faster

• Constant fatigue and loss of energy: Everyday tasks feel harder, and the body tires more quickly than before.
• Skin and hair changes: Reduced collagen and keratin production leads to sagging, wrinkles, and thinning or loss of hair.
• Cognitive decline: Memory lapses, difficulty in planning, and problems with calculations may point to aging-related changes in the brain as grey matter begins to shrink.
• Chronic conditions: Lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension are often tied to aging, linked to reduced insulin production and thicker, slower blood flow.

Can Premature Aging Be Prevented?

While no one can stop the clock, adopting healthy habits can slow it down. Regular physical activity, a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, quality sleep, and timely health screenings can all help delay the impact of aging and keep the body functioning better for longer.

What Causes Premature Aging?

In most cases, premature aging happens because of everyday habits or environmental factors that we can control. Doctors call this extrinsic aging. The first signs usually show up on the skin. While skin changes are a normal part of getting older, if they appear too early, lifestyle and surroundings are often to blame.

Light exposure is the biggest culprit

• Sunlight (UV rays): Too much sun speeds up skin aging, a process known as photoaging. This alone causes about 90% of the visible changes we see in skin, such as wrinkles, age spots, and rough texture. UV rays also damage cells, which raises the risk of skin cancer.
• Blue light and infrared light: The remaining 10% of skin damage comes from high-energy visible (blue) light and infrared light. Blue light comes from the sun and also from screens, while infrared is the heat we feel. These don’t raise cancer risk but they do weaken collagen and elasticity, making skin sag sooner.

• Smoking: Nicotine toxins break down collagen and elastin, causing sagging skin, wrinkles, and a hollow look.
• Poor diet: Diets high in sugar and refined carbs may speed up aging, while diets rich in fruits and vegetables help protect the skin.
• Alcohol: Heavy drinking dehydrates and damages skin over time.
• Lack of sleep: Poor or insufficient sleep has been linked to faster cellular aging.
• Chronic stress: High cortisol levels from stress reduce substances like collagen and hyaluronic acid that keep skin smooth and firm.

In rare cases, certain medical conditions can also cause early aging, such as progeria, Werner syndrome, Cockayne syndrome, Bloom syndrome, and a few other genetic disorders.

India’s healthcare leaders are set to gather at the eagerly awaited TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025. With the country positioning itself as a global healthcare hub, the Modi government is pushing reforms aimed at creating a strong healthcare system. The sector has seen remarkable changes, driven by advancements in technology, improved infrastructure, and wider accessibility. Recognizing healthcare as a strategic pillar, the government views it as essential for national growth, public welfare, and economic stability.

In 2025, healthcare will remain an essential part of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP growth, job opportunities, and technological progress. The industry, valued at over $500 billion, sustains millions of jobs across hospitals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health-tech. Rising demand for quality care, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, is pushing more investments and large-scale infrastructure development.

Efforts to strengthen public health are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing sustainable healthcare through optimal technology use. This year, the summit will focus on key themes such as “Making Healthcare Sustainable with Optimal Use of Technology” and “Adoption of Technology for Improved Accessibility and Affordability.”

The summit will host over 30 expert speakers, 300 delegates, and eight focused knowledge sessions. Attendees will discuss shaping global healthcare standards, achieving health equity, enhancing accessibility, advancing medical education, research, and driving innovation through technology.

Notable panels include “From Policy to Practice: Making Health Equity a Reality in India”, featuring Dr Sumit Kumar Dubey, Chief Medical Officer, NDMC; Dr Randeep Guleria, Director of Medanta Medical School; and Dr Narinder Mehra, Hon. Emeritus Scientist, ICMR. Another key session, “Battling Dengue in India: Crisis, Control and the Promise of Vaccination,” will include insights from Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman, Nephron Clinic, and Dr Tanu Jain, Director, NCVBDC. TV actress Chhavi Mittal, a breast cancer survivor, will also share her personal journey.

Other highlights feature Dr Ananya Awasthi, Founder & Director of Anuvaad Solutions, and Dr Meenakshi Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR, discussing nutraceuticals; Dr Shyam Aggarwal, Chairperson Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, on cancer care; and Arvind Pachhapur of Strands Life Sciences, exploring AI-driven healthcare solutions. Additional sessions on youth mental health and healthcare infrastructure promise to offer actionable insights for stakeholders.

For more details, visit TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025.

NHS omeprazole warning: People who take the common heartburn and indigestion drug omeprazole have been cautioned by the NHS about its potential long-term risks. For those unversed, omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and are often prescribed for acid reflux, heartburn, and related issues.

They target the stomach’s proton pumps, the enzymes responsible for producing acid. While omeprazole can be very effective, it isn’t the only solution. If you are avoiding the medicine duen to the NHS warning, or just simply struggling with side effects or prefer a more natural route, there are other options worth considering.

NHS Warning on Omeprazole’s Long-Term Use

According to new figures, nearly 73 million NHS prescriptions for PPIs like omeprazole were issued in England in 2022 to 23. Reports also show that around 15% of the UK population relies on PPIs, making them among the most commonly used medications in the country. Alongside heartburn, PPIs are used to manage conditions like indigestion, stomach ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and even to treat Helicobacter pylori infection when paired with antibiotics. With NHS experts now raising concerns, we spoke to a health professional who explained which safe alternatives people can turn to instead.

Alternatives to Omeprazole

Omeprazole is one of several PPIs available. This class of medication is used for GERD, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and certain bacterial stomach infections. Each drug in the group works by blocking acid pumps in the stomach, but individuals may respond differently. We got in touch with Dr Vishal Khurana, Director Gastroenterology, Metro Hospital, Faridabad who told, us, “If omeprazole causes side effects or drug interactions, switching to another PPI such as pantoprazole (Protonix) or rabeprazole (Aciphex) may be a safer option.”

Other alternatives include H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid AC), which reduce acid in a different way, or traditional antacids like Tums and Rolaids that provide quick but temporary relief. There are also newer prescription treatments such as vonoprazan (Voquezna) that could be considered.

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Medication isn’t always the only answer. Many people find relief from acid reflux by making small but consistent dietary and lifestyle changes. Avoiding fatty or spicy foods, cutting back on alcohol, and eating smaller portions can all help reduce symptoms. Simple remedies like ginger tea, milk, or a small amount of apple cider vinegar may also soothe heartburn for some people.

In terms of supplements, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been linked to easing acid reflux, though quality can vary between brands, so it’s best to check with a pharmacist before trying.

Lifestyle habits matter too. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight have been shown to lower the risk of reflux significantly. While these changes are not always easy, their benefits go far beyond heartburn relief.

The NHS advice doesn’t mean everyone should stop using omeprazole right away, but it’s a reminder that safe alternatives exist, and making simple adjustments could help you avoid long-term risks while still keeping heartburn under control.