Orthostatic Hypotension 

About 20% of older people suffer from orthostatic hypotension, which makes them dizzy or lightheaded after they stand up from sitting or lying down. Blood pressure drops more than 20 mm Hg in systolic pressure (or 10 mm Hg in diastolic pressure) within three minutes of standing causes this condition. The condition is especially common in people aged 65 and older because their bodies don't respond as well to blood pressure changes.

This condition goes beyond occasional dizzy spells. It greatly reduces quality of life and increases the risk of falls, cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, and death. Symptoms usually improve when patients change position slowly or adjust their medications. 

This article covers the symptoms, causes, and orthostatic hypotension remedies to help patients maintain their balance and well-being.

What is Orthostatic Hypotension?

Your blood pressure levels drop quickly when you stand up from a seated or lying position - this condition is called orthostatic hypotension. Doctors consider it a decrease in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within three minutes of standing. Some people know this condition as postural hypotension.

Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms

The biggest problem people face is lightheadedness or dizziness after changing position. This usually lasts just a few minutes. Other symptoms are:

• Blurred vision
• Weakness or fatigue
• Fainting (syncope)
• Confusion
• Nausea or feeling sweaty
• Chest, shoulder or neck pain
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath

Some people with orthostatic hypotension show no symptoms at all.

Orthostatic Hypotension Causes

Must be confused that why this condition has affected you or your loved ones? In the human body there are special receptors called baroreceptors near your heart and neck arteries that detect lower blood pressure when you stand. These cells signal your heart to pump faster, but sometimes this process fails.

This failure can happen because of:

• Dehydration from fever, vomiting, or not drinking enough fluids
• Heart conditions such as bradycardia, valve problems, or heart failure
• Endocrine disorders including thyroid issues, Addison's disease, or diabetes
• Neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy
• Recent heavy meals (especially high-carbohydrate ones)

Risk

You are more likely to develop orthostatic hypotension if you have:

• Advanced age (especially 65 and older)
• Medicines to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, or Parkinson's condition
• Prolonged bed rest
• Heat exposure
• Alcohol consumption

Complications of Orthostatic Hypotension

Long-term orthostatic hypotension can lead to serious problems, especially in older adults:

• Falls from fainting
• Stroke due to blood pressure changes and reduced blood flow to the brain
• Cardiovascular diseases including heart failure and rhythm problems

Diagnosis for Orthostatic Hypotension

Doctors check blood pressure while you are sitting, lying down, and standing to diagnose this condition. They might also recommend:

• Blood tests to check for anaemia or diabetes
• An electrocardiogram to measure heart activity
• Echocardiogram to examine heart function
• Tilt table test to watch blood pressure changes under controlled conditions

Orthostatic Hypotension Treatment 

Treatment targets why it happens rather than just raising blood pressure. Here is what helps:

Mild cases often improve by sitting down as soon as you feel lightheaded. Other options include:

• Changing medications that might cause the problem
• Drinking more fluids and increasing salt intake if you are dehydrated
• Using compression stockings to reduce blood pooling
• Medications for severe cases

When to See a Doctor

You should get medical help if you:

• Feel lightheaded when standing up
• Passing out, even briefly
• Blurred vision

Make sure to track your symptoms, noting when they happen and what might trigger them.

Conclusion

Orthostatic hypotension creates daily challenges that go beyond occasional dizzy spells. Older adults face higher risks, and the condition affects their daily activities and overall well-being. Early detection of warning signs helps you manage this condition better. 

Simple lifestyle changes can bring relief to many people. Most patients control their symptoms through preventive measures. Small adjustments make a big difference - (move slowly when changing positions, drink enough water, use compression stockings, and discuss medications with your doctor).

Knowledge about orthostatic hypotension enables you to take charge of your health. Most people successfully manage this condition and keep their independence. The right combination of medical support and lifestyle changes can help maintain your life quality.

FAQs

1. Who is most at risk of developing orthostatic hypotension?

High-risk groups include:

• People aged 65 and above
• People with heart conditions like bradycardia, valve problems, or heart failure
• People who have neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease
• Those who take medications to treat hypertension, depression, or heart disease
• People who have endocrine problems like diabetes or thyroid disorders

2. Can dehydration cause orthostatic hypotension?

Yes, it can. Dehydration is one of the most common triggers as your blood volume drops when your body does not have enough fluids. This makes it hard to keep blood pressure stable when you stand up. You might experience orthostatic symptoms if you are dehydrated from fever, vomiting, severe diarrhoea or intense exercise that makes you sweat a lot. Even mild dehydration can cause weakness, dizziness, & fatigue – classic signs of this condition.

3. How is orthostatic hypotension different from general low blood pressure?

The biggest difference comes down to timing and position. Orthostatic hypotension happens only when you change position from sitting or lying to standing, and it usually lasts just seconds or minutes. General low blood pressure stays low whatever your position. Blood pressure measurements also show this difference. Orthostatic hypotension shows a specific drop ( greater than 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic) within 3 minutes of standing.

4. Can orthostatic hypotension cause fainting?

Yes, fainting (syncope) is a serious complication. Your brain doesn't get enough blood flow, which leads to a brief loss of consciousness. Falls from fainting can be dangerous, especially for older adults who might get fractures or concussions. This type of fainting is different from other causes. About half of older people with this condition feel dizzy during testing.

5. Is orthostatic hypotension common in people with diabetes?

The condition is surprisingly common in diabetic patients. Research shows that it affects many people with diabetes. People who have both diabetes and orthostatic hypotension face higher risks of severe complications and reduced quality of life. This happens in part because diabetes damages nerves that control blood pressure.

CARE Medical Team