Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a condition in which a person’s blood pressure drops suddenly when they stand up or change positions quickly. It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting if left unmanaged.

OH can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults and those with certain medical conditions. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for orthostatic hypotension.

Causes of Orthostatic Hypotension

There are several things that can cause orthostatic hypotension, including:.

Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can cause a decrease in blood volume, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure when standing up.
Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, beta blockers, and some antidepressants can lower blood pressure and cause orthostatic hypotension.
Nervous system disorders: Damage to the nervous system, such as that caused by Parkinson’s disease, can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and cause orthostatic hypotension.
Pregnancy: Changes in the pregnant woman’s body can cause the blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure when standing up.
Heart problems: Conditions that affect the heart, such as heart failure or heart valve problems, can cause orthostatic hypotension.
Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can damage the nerves that control blood pressure and cause orthostatic hypotension.

Symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension can cause a range of symptoms, including:.

Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
Blurry vision or seeing spots
Fainting or feeling faint
Weakness or fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Chest pain or shortness of breath (in severe cases)

Diagnosing Orthostatic Hypotension

If you are experiencing symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and review your medical history. They may also order tests such as:.

Blood pressure monitoring: Your doctor may measure your blood pressure while you are lying down and then again while you are standing up to see if there is a significant drop when you change positions.
Tilt table test: This test involves lying on a special table that can be tilted to simulate standing up. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as the table is tilted to different angles.
Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check for any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Treating Orthostatic Hypotension

The treatment for orthostatic hypotension will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Some treatment options may include:.

Increase fluid intake: Drinking more fluids, especially water, can help to increase your blood volume and prevent drops in blood pressure when standing up.
Avoiding triggers: You may need to avoid things that can cause drops in blood pressure, such as hot weather, alcohol, or standing still for long periods of time.
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help to increase blood volume or regulate blood pressure.
Compression stockings: These special stockings are designed to compress the legs and help to prevent blood from pooling in the legs, which can cause drops in blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco can help to manage your symptoms and prevent complications.
Surgery: In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace a damaged heart valve that is causing orthostatic hypotension.

Preventing Orthostatic Hypotension

While it may not always be possible to prevent orthostatic hypotension, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:.

Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly
Avoiding triggers such as hot weather, alcohol, or standing still for long periods of time
Checking with your doctor before starting any new medications

Conclusion

Orthostatic hypotension can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are many treatment options available that can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

If you are experiencing symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, it is important to talk to your doctor about your concerns and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan in place. By working closely with your healthcare team and making necessary lifestyle changes, you can improve your quality of life and minimize the impact of orthostatic hypotension on your daily activities.