Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure: The top number measures the pressure when your heart beats
- Diastolic blood pressure: The bottom number measures the pressure between heartbeats
Normal blood pressure is about 120/80 mmHg. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is usually considered a reading of 90/60 mmHg or lower.
Postural hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing up. This significant drop in blood pressure reduces blood flow to the brain, causing the characteristic symptoms of postural hypotension or postural hypotension.
What causes postural hypotension?
Causes of orthostatic hypotension are generally divided into two main categories: neurological and non-neurological.
- Neurological causes: These include disorders that impair the autonomic nervous system’s ability to regulate blood pressure. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and diabetic neuropathy fall into this category because they can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure when standing, leading to orthostatic hypotension.
- Non-neurological causes: Non-neurological causes of orthostatic hypotension include factors that do not involve the nervous system. Dehydration, blood loss, and certain medications (such as diuretics and antidepressants) can reduce blood volume or blood pressure. Additionally, heart conditions that affect circulation, as well as environmental factors such as prolonged standing or heat exposure, can contribute to a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing.
What are the treatments for orthostatic hypotension?
The goal of treating orthostatic hypotension is to return blood pressure to normal. This usually involves increasing blood volume, reducing the amount of blood pooling in the legs, and helping the arteries push blood throughout the body.
Treatment usually focuses on the underlying cause, such as dehydration or heart failure, rather than the low blood pressure itself.
The simplest treatment for moderate postural hypotension without medication is:
1. Lifestyle changes
Including the following basics:
- Drink plenty of non-carbonated fluids
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid being in very hot environments
- Raise the head of the bed
- Avoid crossing your legs when sitting and stand up slowly
- Pause for a moment to ensure safety when starting to walk
- If a person does not have high blood pressure, the doctor may recommend increasing the amount of salt in the diet
- If blood pressure drops after eating, the doctor may recommend eating small, low-carbohydrate meals
2. Compression stockings
Compression stockings and garments, as well as belts, can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs and reduce the symptoms of postural hypotension.
