Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, is a medical condition characterized by a sudden and significant drop in blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down.

Causes

Orthostatic hypotension can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to a decrease in blood volume, causing orthostatic hypotension.
• Blood pressure medications: Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure can cause orthostatic hypotension as a side effect.
• Autonomic nervous system disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to orthostatic hypotension.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the nerves that control blood vessels, leading to orthostatic hypotension.
• Aging: Older adults are more prone to orthostatic hypotension due to age-related changes in the body's ability to regulate blood pressure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of orthostatic hypotension can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Weakness or fatigue
• Blurred vision

Diagnosis

Orthostatic hypotension is typically diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:

• Blood pressure monitoring: Measuring blood pressure while lying down, sitting, and standing up to assess for changes in blood pressure.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To rule out underlying heart conditions that may be contributing to orthostatic hypotension.
• Autonomic function tests: To evaluate the function of the autonomic nervous system.

Treatment

Treatment for orthostatic hypotension depends on the underlying cause, but may include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Increasing fluid intake, avoiding dehydration, and making gradual changes in position to reduce symptoms.
• Medications: To increase blood pressure or improve autonomic nervous system function.
• Non-pharmacological interventions: Such as wearing compression stockings or using a tilt table to help improve blood flow.

Complications

If left untreated, orthostatic hypotension can lead to complications such as:

• Falls and injuries
• Cognitive impairment
• Decreased quality of life

Prevention

To prevent orthostatic hypotension, it is essential to:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoid sudden changes in position
• Get regular exercise to improve cardiovascular health
• Manage underlying medical conditions that may contribute to orthostatic hypotension.