Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when you move from a sitting or lying position to a standing position. Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension can include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and even fainting. This condition is also known as postural hypotension.
What causes orthostatic hypotension?
Orthostatic hypotension can be caused by a number of factors, including:
1. Dehydration
Dehydration increases the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
Causes may include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive sweating
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular or persistent exposure to hot environments
2. Heart problems
Certain heart problems reduce the body’s ability to maintain blood pressure, such as:
- Low heart rate or slow heart rate
- Structural or functional impairment of the heart valves
- Heart failure
3. Endocrine problems
These conditions significantly disrupt blood pressure regulation by damaging nerve conduction:
- Thyroid problems
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Low or high blood sugar levels
4. Neurodegenerative disorders
Certain underlying nervous system disorders increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple system atrophy
- Lewy body dementia
- Amyloidosis
5. Aging
Orthostatic hypotension is associated with prolonged standing and other chronic medical disorders, the risk increases with age and poor health.
Blood pressure may drop due to increased blood flow in the intestines during digestion of food.
6. Medications
Medications used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and erectile dysfunction can cause orthostatic hypotension.
7. Prolonged bed rest
The development of orthostatic hypotension is associated with vestibular disorders that impair blood pressure regulation during movement and changes in position due to prolonged bed rest.
8. Pregnancy
Pressure on the abdominal aorta from the rapidly enlarging uterus contributes to orthostatic hypotension in pregnancy.
What are the common complications of postural hypotension?
Postural hypotension can lead to a number of complications, mainly due to reduced blood flow to the brain and other organs. Some potential complications include:
- Falls and injuries: Dizziness and fainting can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or other injuries.
- Cardiovascular problems: Chronic low blood pressure can put stress on the heart and increase the risk of heart failure or arrhythmias.
- Cognitive impairment: Frequent reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to cognitive impairment and dementia.
How is orthostatic hypotension treated?
Treatment of orthostatic hypotension usually involves addressing the underlying cause:
- Treat dehydration with fluids
- Adjust medications that may be contributing to the condition
- Control heart disease
- Make lifestyle changes.
Such as:
- Get up slowly from sitting or lying down
- Avoid standing for long periods or hot environments
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent dizziness after meals
