ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION

Orthostatic hypotension also called postural hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, and maybe even faint. Orthostatic hypotension may be mild and last for less than a few minutes. However, long-lasting orthostatic hypotension can signal more-serious problems, so it's important to see a doctor if you frequently feel lightheaded when standing up.

CAUSES

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when something interrupts the body's natural process of counteracting low blood pressure. Many different conditions can cause orthostatic hypotension, including:

1 Dehydration. Fever, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, severe diarrhea and extreme sweating can all lead to dehydration

2 Heart problems. Some heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure include extremely low heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, heart attack and heart failure.

3 Endocrine problems. Thyroid conditions, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause orthostatic hypotension.

4 Nervous system disorders. Some nervous system disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, Lewy body dementia, pure autonomic failure and amyloidosis, can disrupt your body's normal blood pressure regulation system.

5 After eating meals. Some people experience low blood pressure after eating meals (postprandial hypotension). This condition is more common in older adults.

SYMPTOMS

The most common symptom is lightheadedness or dizziness when you stand up after sitting or lying down. Symptoms usually last less than a few minutes. Other Orthostatic hypotension signs and symptoms include:

1 Feeling lightheaded or dizzy after standing up

2 Blurry vision

3 Weakness

4 Fainting (syncope)

5 Confusion

6 Nausea.

TREATMENT

The goal of treatment for orthostatic hypotension is to restore normal blood pressure. That usually involves increasing blood volume, reducing the pooling of blood in your lower legs and helping blood vessels to push blood throughout your body.Orthostatic hypotension treatments include:

1 Lifestyle changes. Your doctor may suggest several lifestyle changes, including drinking enough water; drinking little to no alcohol; avoiding overheating; elevating the head of your bed; avoiding crossing your legs when sitting; and standing up slowly.

2 If you don't also have high blood pressure, your doctor might suggest increasing the amount of salt in your diet. If your blood pressure drops after eating, your doctor may recommend small, low-carbohydrate meals.

3 Compression stockings. Compression stockings and garments or abdominal binders may help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs and reduce the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

4 Medications. Several medications, either used alone or together, can be used to treat orthostatic hypotension.