Orthostatic hypotension is a health condition in which the blood pressure of the body suddenly drops while you are in a seated or lying position. This disorder happens when the blood vessels do not constrict (the way they should) as you stand up and the pressure decreases because the blood is pooled in the legs. Usually, a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease, this condition is also known as postural hypotension. Generally, the cells in our body can automatically sense if there is a change in blood pressure and they try to adjust the heart rate to pump the required amount of blood, eventually stabilizing the blood pressure. A lesion or damage to this entire process can cause orthostatic hypotension. Even a drop of 10 mm Hg in the bottom number or in the diastolic blood pressure within three to five minutes of standing is indicative of orthostatic hypotension.
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Primary orthostatic hypotension is caused by disorders that affect the autonomic nervous system (the part that automatically controls functions such as digestion, breathing, and heartbeat, multiple system atrophy (which affects the autonomic nervous system and movement), and dysautonomia (when nerves of the autonomic nervous system are damaged). In older people, the condition may indicate an increased risk of stroke or heart failure.
Causes Of Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension can have many causes, some of them may include:
- Dehydration
- Prolonged bed rest
- Heart attack
- Thyroid conditions
- Diabetes
- An excessive intake of diuretics
- Anemia
- Varicose veins
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Parkinson’s disease
- Excessive usage of antihypertensive or high blood pressure medications
- Heart problems such as heart arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, or aortic stenosis
- Spinal cord conditions such as syringomyelia
- Significant blood loss
Who Is At Risk?
An occasional occurrence, orthostatic hypotension sometimes can turn into a chronic condition. The risk factors for orthostatic hypotension include being age 65 or older, certain illnesses and chronic diseases, pregnancy, excessive consumption of alcohol, diabetes, thyroid problems, Addison disease, and people with co-morbid health conditions.
Symptoms Of Orthostatic Hypotension
Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension typically include the following:
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Muscle tremors
- Fainting
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Diagnosis
Diagnosing orthostatic hypotension includes certain lab tests and tests to check the heart's pumping action. Besides, monitoring blood pressure on a regular basis also helps to diagnose the problem and identify if there are any changes in rhythm or if there have been occurrences of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Treatment And Prevention Of Orthostatic Hypotension
Primarily for orthostatic hypotension, the treatment plan focuses on finding the root cause of this health disorder. Some cases of orthostatic hypotension can be effectively treated by adding or adjusting medications, drinking more water, and dietary modifications. Wearing compression stockings may help improve blood flow and reduce the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Prevention of orthostatic hypotension includes taking plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol, increasing little salt in a regular diet, eating small and nutrient-dense meals, exercising, moving, and stretching the body in a certain manner every day.
