Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension)

 Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension)

Overview

Orthostatic hypotension -- also called postural hypotension -- is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up after sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension may cause dizziness or lightheadedness and possibly fainting.

Orthostatic hypotension can be simple. Attacks may occur for a short time. However, prolonged orthostatic hypotension may indicate more serious problems. 

So you should consult your doctor if you feel dizzy when standing frequently.

Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension usually occurs for an obvious reason, such as dehydration or prolonged bed rest. It can be treated easily. 

Chronic orthostatic hypotension is usually an indicator of another health problem, so treatment varies from case to case depending on its cause.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of orthostatic hypotension is lightheadedness or dizziness when standing up after sitting or lying down. Symptoms usually last for a few minutes.

Orthostatic hypotension signs and symptoms include:

Dizziness or dizziness when standing up

Blurry vision (blurred eyes)

Weakness

loss of consciousness (fainting)

confusion

When should you see a doctor?

You may feel lightheaded or lightheaded from time to time due to mild dehydration, low blood sugar, or hyperthermia. Dizziness or lightheadedness may also occur from standing after sitting for a long time. If these symptoms only occur occasionally, there is no cause for concern.

It is necessary to see a doctor if symptoms of orthostatic hypotension recur. Loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds, is dangerous. It requires a doctor's visit immediately.

Keep a record of your symptoms, when they occurred, how long they lasted, and what you were doing at the time. Tell your doctor if these symptoms occur at dangerous times, such as while driving.

the reasons

When standing up from a sitting or lying position, gravity causes blood to pool in the legs and abdomen. Blood pressure drops due to reduced blood flow to the heart.

This drop in blood pressure is usually sensed by special cells (baroreceptors) near the arteries of the heart and neck. 

Baroreceptors send signals to the brain. This directs the heart to beat faster and pump more blood, thus stabilizing blood pressure. 

These cells also narrow blood vessels and increase blood pressure.

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when something stops the body's process of dealing with low blood pressure. Many problems cause orthostatic hypotension, including the following:

Drought. Causes of dehydration include fever, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, severe diarrhea, and strenuous exercise with excessive sweating. Dehydration reduces the amount of blood. 

Mild dehydration may cause symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, such as weakness, dizziness, and fatigue.

heart problems Heart conditions that lead to low blood pressure include very slow heartbeats (bradycardia), heart valve problems, heart attack, and heart failure. 

These conditions prevent the body from rapidly pumping more blood when standing.

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

The same applies to diabetes, which may damage the nerves that send signals that regulate blood pressure.

nervous system disorders; Certain nervous system disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, Lewy body dementia, complete autonomic failure, and amyloidosis, can disrupt the body's ability to control blood pressure.

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

risk factors

Risk factors associated with orthostatic hypotension include:

the age. Orthostatic hypotension is most common in people aged 65 and older. The special cells (baroreceptors) near the arteries in the heart and neck that regulate blood pressure may slow down as you age. 

It may also be harder for the older heart to beat faster and compensate for drops in blood pressure.

pharmaceutical. These medications include types used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease; Such as diuretics, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and nitrates.

Other medications that may increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension include medications used to treat Parkinson's disease, some antidepressants, some antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, erectile dysfunction medications, and narcotics.

certain diseases. Some heart diseases that may increase the risk of low blood pressure include heart valve problems, heart attacks, and heart failure. 

It also includes some nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease. They also include diseases that cause nerve damage (neuropathy), such as diabetes.

exposure to heat. Exposure to a hot environment can cause excessive sweating and possibly dehydration, which can lead to hypotension and, subsequently, orthostatic hypotension.

Bed rest. Staying in bed for a long time due to an illness can lead to weakness. This may lead to orthostatic hypotension.

Alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing orthostatic hypotension.

Complications

Persistent orthostatic hypotension can cause serious complications, especially in older adults. These complications include:

the fall. Falls caused by fainting is a common complication in people with orthostatic hypotension.

stroke null. Fluctuation in blood pressure from standing and sitting due to orthostatic hypotension is a risk factor for stroke due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Cardiovascular disease. Orthostatic hypotension can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its complications, such as chest pain, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems.