Hypotension can be caused by a number of conditions, including dehydration or electrolyte loss due to physical exertion, exposure to high/humid temperatures, sudden change from low to high temperatures, diarrhea, or vomiting; vasovagal syncope (blood vessels' response to stimulation of the vagus nerve); anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic response); pregnancy; trauma; shock; stress; allergic reactions; anxiety; depression; or alcohol toxicity. Certain drugs can also contribute to hypotension, such as those used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), drugs that cause a decrease in fluid volume in the body (hypovolemia), anesthesia, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, anti-arrhythmics, vasodilators, and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease.

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, there are some patterns of syndrome that lead to hypotension.
1. Deficiency of Qi and Blood
2. Deficiency of Qi and yin
3. Deficiency of Spleen and kidney
4. Deficiency of Liver and Kidney
5. Deficiency of Heart and kidney Yang