Blood pressure is directly related to the heart's ability to pump blood throughout the body. However, sometimes this pressure drops, which can lead to a number of symptoms, notably dizziness. Orthostatic hypotension is one cause of these drops, which we will explore in detail in this article.
Definition and Types
Orthostatic hypotension refers to a drop in blood pressure when you stand up suddenly from a sitting or bending position. This is caused by blood not reaching your brain quickly and is often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.
This condition, commonly called hypotension (low blood pressure), is defined as a blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg. However, there are several types of hypotension:
Orthostatic What happens when you stand up.
Postural: Posture-dependent.
Postprandial: The one that happens after a meal.
Neurocardiogenic: It's related to an increased or decreased heartbeat.
Symptoms
In some people, low blood pressure may not cause signs or symptoms, while others may experience the following symptoms:
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Headache
Fainting
Cold sweating
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Nausea
Causes and Occurrence
The mechanism of orthostatic hypotension is related to the gravitational pull of blood towards the lower extremities when standing up. Normally, the body reacts in a way that compensates for this, but in some people this compensatory mechanism does not work effectively.
Several factors may play a role in the development of orthostatic hypotension:
Dehydration
Sudden temperature changes
Long periods of inactivity
Side effects of some medicines
Some health conditions (e.g. Parkinson's disease or diabetes)
Treatment and Recommendations
Fluid Intake: Dehydration is a common cause of low blood pressure. Drinking enough water can reduce this risk.
Increase Salt Intake: Salt can help retain fluid in the body, which can increase blood pressure.
Compression stockings: Can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs.
Slow movement: Instead of getting up quickly, moving slowly and gradually can reduce symptoms.
Medicines Medicines that can raise or stabilize your blood pressure can be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Orthostatic hypotension is a potentially unpleasant and dangerous condition. If you experience frequent dizziness, it is important to contact a healthcare professional to have your condition assessed and appropriate treatment methods determined. This will minimize potential risks as well as improve your quality of life.