Hypotension is one of the symptoms of severe septicemia. Sometimes also referred to as bacteremia, it is a syndrome that is the consequence of bacteria entering the bloodstream. It is an acute infection caused by the toxic substances released into the blood by the microorganisms.

The symptom usually begins with fever, chills, rapid heart rates and frantic hyperventilation. Hypotension develops when the infections takes a more serious, severe turn. These toxins then make the blood pressure drop drastically, resulting in a situation called septic shock. Septic shock is generally caused by bacteria which are gram negative. Bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci, being gram positive, cannot cause this syndrome. This can damage many organs by preventing them from receiving enough blood due to hypotension. If left untreated, it can also be fatal because of the vast amounts of tissue damage and possible organ failures which can occur in its wake. Patients with other underlying diseases are more susceptible to this state of septic shock.

Treatment of septicemia does not include diagnosis of hypotension, but rather involves diagnosis of the underlying causes behind hypotension and ultimately septicemia. Antibiotics can be taken, or surgical removal of the infected site can be performed.