Sudden weakness: 3 causes
1. Low blood pressure
Blood pressure values that are below 110 to 60 mmHg in men and below 100 to 60 mmHg in women are referred to as low blood pressure. This is also known medically as hypotension. In addition to a feeling of weakness, there are typically symptoms such as dizziness, tiredness, headaches, cold hands and feet, increased sweating and concentration problems. Various factors can cause circulatory problems in people with low blood pressure – these include standing for long periods, heat or bad air. In general, low blood pressure is harmless to health and does not need to be treated with medication – if the values are extremely low, however, the organs can be damaged or life-threatening circulatory shock can occur.
2. Viral disease
Do you feel powerless and weak? A viral disease such as flu, cold or Covid-19 can also be responsible for the feeling of weakness. If it is an infection, other symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache or fever will appear with a time or a little delay. If you notice that you have no strength, you should definitely give your body the rest it needs. If symptoms do not improve following a few days, you should seek medical advice.
3. Diseases
In rarer cases, diseases can also be behind a feeling of weakness – this includes, for example, hypothyroidism, which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as hair loss, sensitivity to cold, weight gain or concentration problems. But a feeling of weakness also occurs with a heart valve defect or cardiac insufficiency. In the latter case, the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to the body. As a result, our body is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen and symptoms such as tachycardia, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, rattling breathing noises or swollen feet and legs occur. Cancer can also be associated with weakness and persistent fatigue. If symptoms persist, you should therefore always consult a doctor to rule out serious causes.
