Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, is a kind of low blood pressure that occurs after sitting or laying down and occurs while standing. Orthostatic hypotension may make you feel woozy, lightheaded, and even faint.
There may be some orthostatic hypotension. Episodes might be short. However, persistent hypotension may be an indication of more significant issues. If you regularly feel dizzy upon standing up, it’s crucial to contact a doctor.
Orthostatic hypotension that occurs sometimes is often brought on by something evident, such dehydration or prolonged bed rest. Treatment for the ailment is simple. Treatment is based on the reason since chronic orthostatic hypotension is often a symptom of another medical condition.
Symptoms
When rising up after sitting or laying down, the most typical symptom of orthostatic hypotension is lightheadedness or dizziness. Symptoms often disappear after a short while.
Signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include:
- Standing causes a feeling of faintness or dizziness
- Hazy vision
- Weakness
- Dropping out (syncope)
- Confusion
When to see a doctor
Minor episodes of fainting or dizziness may be brought on by slight dehydration, low blood sugar, or excessive heat. Standing up after prolonged sitting might sometimes make one feel dizzy or lightheaded. If these symptoms only sporadically manifest, there is probably nothing to worry about.
If you have orthostatic hypotension symptoms often, you should see a doctor. It’s dangerous to lose consciousness, even for a little while. It necessitates an immediate visit to a doctor.
Keep track of your symptoms, including their onset and duration, as well as your activities at the time. If you have symptoms while doing anything risky, like driving, let your healthcare professional know.
Causes
Gravity causes blood to accumulate in the legs and abdomen when getting up from a sitting or laying down posture. Less blood is returning to the heart, which lowers blood pressure.
Near the heart and neck arteries, specific cells called baroreceptors often detect this dropped blood pressure. The brain receives impulses from the baroreceptors. The heart is instructed to beat more quickly and pump more blood, which balances blood pressure. Additionally, these cells cause blood arteries to constrict and blood pressure to rise.
When anything prevents the body from responding to the low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension develops. It may result from a variety of situations, such as:
- Dehydration. Dehydration may be brought on by a fever, vomiting, inadequate hydration, severe diarrhea, and physically demanding activities that cause excessive perspiration. Blood volume reduces with dehydration. Weakness, vertigo, and weariness are orthostatic hypotension symptoms that may be brought on by mild dehydration.
- Heart issues. Low heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve issues, heart attacks, and heart failure are a few cardiac disorders that may cause low blood pressure. When you stand up, your body is unable to swiftly pump additional blood due to these factors.
- Hormonal issues. Orthostatic hypotension may be brought on by thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), and hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Diabetes may harm the nerves that assist transmit signals that regulate blood pressure, so can that condition.
- Neurologic conditions. The body’s capacity to regulate blood pressure may be interfered with by several nervous system illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, Lewy body dementia, pure autonomic failure, and amyloidosis.
- Consuming food. Postprandial hypotension is the term for low blood pressure that some individuals experience after eating. In elderly persons, this disorder is increasingly prevalent.
Risk Factors
The following are risk factors:
- Age. The condition known as orthostatic hypotension is widespread in those 65 and older. As you become older, the baroreceptors—special cells that regulate blood pressure—near the heart and neck arteries may become less efficient. Additionally, an older heart may have a harder time accelerating to compensate for blood pressure dips.
- Medications. These include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, alpha blockers, beta blockers, and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease.Other drugs that may raise the risk of orthostatic hypotension include opioids, certain antidepressants, some antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, and drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction and Parkinson’s disease.
- Certain illnesses. Some cardiac disorders, such as heart valve issues, heart attack, and heart failure, might raise the risk of low blood pressure. They also include several conditions of the neurological system, such Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, they include ailments like diabetes that damage the nerves (cause neuropathy).
- Exposure to heat. Heat-related factors such as high perspiration and potential dehydration may drop blood pressure and produce orthostatic hypotension.
- Rest in bed. Weakness might result from spending a lot of time in bed due to an illness or accident. An orthostatic hypotension may result from this.
- Alcohol. Alcohol consumption may raise the likelihood of orthostatic hypotension.
Complications
Particularly in elderly persons, persistent orthostatic hypotension may lead to significant problems. These consist of:
- Falls. One of the most frequent complications in those with orthostatic hypotension is falling as a consequence of fainting.
- Stroke. Due to the decreased blood flow to the brain, the changes in blood pressure that arise from standing and sitting as a consequence of hypotension might be a risk factor for stroke.
- Cardiovascular conditions. Orthostatic hypotension may increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders and their side effects, including chest discomfort, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats.