Dizziness On Standing Up? Know Everything About Orthostatic Hypotension
Hypotension is low blood pressure that occurs when the blood pressure falls below the normal levels. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and the readings are divided in two figures. The first one is systolic blood pressure and the second one is diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure: It is the pressure caused by the heart contracting and pushing out blood. Diastolic blood pressure: It is the pressure when the heart relaxes and receives the oxygenated blood.
The term “orthostatic hypotension” refers to the drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up. Orthostatic means upright posture of the body and hypotension defines low blood pressure. It is also known as postural hypotension. When a person stands up from a sitting or lying position, the body tries to adjust to the new position. It is important for the body at that moment to push blood upward and provide oxygen to the brain. In cases when the body fails to do so, the blood pressure drops due to which a person may become lightheaded or may even pass out.
How to check Orthostatic Hypotension
- Lie down for 10-15 minutes
- Take a reading of the blood pressure and pulse rate
- Stand up after laying down for the given time
- Measure the blood pressure and pulse rate again instantly and again after 2 and 4 minutes.
Ideal healthy blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. A reading below 90/60mmHg is known to be low blood pressure. Orthostatic hypotension is based on an individual’s blood pressure. If an individual’s blood pressure drops more than 20mmHg in systolic pressure and 10mmHg in diastolic pressure, they are known to have orthostatic hypotension.
- Extremely low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Fainting after changing the posture or while standing for a long time.
- Blurred vision
- Syncope Blackouts
- Sudden falls
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Headache
The symptoms of an orthostatic hypotension patient gradually goes away when the body starts adjusting to the new position.
The symptoms could potentially be a symptom of many other serious illnesses like cardiovascular illnesses, such as heart failure and irregular heartbeat. The sudden drops in blood pressure can also become a risk factor for strokes due to the insufficient blood supply to the brain.
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