Orthostatic hypotension, also called postural hypotension. This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up after sitting or lying down. Causes include dehydration, long-term bed rest, pregnancy, certain medical conditions and some medicines. This type of low blood pressure is common in older adults. Postprandial hypotension.
Orthostatic hypotension — also called postural hypotension — is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing after sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness or lightheadedness and possibly fainting.
A fall of more than 20 to 30 millimeters of mercury in your systolic blood pressure or 10 millimeters of mercury diastolic blood pressure, or both within three minutes of standing is considered orthostatic hypotension. Another way to diagnose orthostatic hypotension is by a tilt table test or an autonomic reflex screen.
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Orthostatic hypotension is more than feeling dizzy ...
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a sustained drop in blood pressure by at least 20 millimeters of mercury in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) within three minutes of standing up. In about one-third of cases, orthostatic hypotension is related to a problem in the body’s autonomic nervous system.
Certain lifestyle changes might help ease symptoms of postprandial hypotension. Eat small, low-carbohydrate meals, drink more water, and stay away from alcohol. Neurally mediated hypotension. This is a blood pressure drop that happens after standing for long amounts of time. This type of low blood pressure mostly affects young adults and children.