Skip to content
Science — Cance — Medical-conditions — Health-and-wellness — Sleep — mental-health — Fitness-and-exercise

Postural Hypotension: A Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure Upon Standing

Drops in blood pressure, commonly referred to as postural hypotension, manifest when blood vessels fail to contract appropriately upon standing from a seated or lying down position. This condition can also be a side effect of certain medications used in Parkinson's treatment or in cases of...

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Blood pressure dropping occurs, notably termed as postural hypotension, due to insufficient blood...
Blood pressure dropping occurs, notably termed as postural hypotension, due to insufficient blood vessel contraction when rising from a seated or reclining position. It may also be a medication side-effect for Parkinson's patients or those using antihypertensive drugs.

Postural Hypotension: A Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure Upon Standing

Orthostatic Hypotension: A Form of Low Blood Pressure and Potential Symptom of Parkinson's Disease

Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, is a condition characterized by a temporary drop in blood pressure upon standing or switching from a lying to a sitting position. It occurs when the body's autonomic nervous system fails to adequately constrict blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain.

This condition can sometimes be a side effect of medication used for Parkinson's disease or when a person is no longerrequiring anti-hypertensive medications. Additionally, orthostatic hypotension may serve as an indicator for a Parkinson's diagnosis.

The telltale symptoms of orthostatic hypotension often include dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, weakness, confusion, headache, fainting, trembling, nausea, cold hands and feet, chest pain, and trembling.

To manage orthostatic hypotension, several strategies can be employed:

  1. Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity or engagement in activities in warm temperatures.
  2. Prior to standing up, perform ankle and leg exercises, such as moving your toes and adjusting your feet and leg muscles.
  3. If needed, allow your feet to dangle for a short time when getting out of bed.
  4. Practice rising slowly from a seated position, standing for a brief period, and checking for steadiness before continuing.
  5. If feeling dizzy or faint, sit with your legs elevated until you regain balance.
  6. Maintain proper hydration by drinking water before standing and sipping water at the end of meals.
  7. Use handrails for added support when moving and consider eating smaller meals more frequently.
  8. Avoid straining during bowel movements and avoid vigorous exercise.
  9. Limit caffeine consumption at night and avoid hot foods and drinks.
  10. Stay hydrated by drinking extra water when you will be standing for extended periods and limit alcohol consumption, as it can contribute to dehydration.
  11. Discuss your medication regimen with your healthcare provider, as they may be able to adjust or discontinue medications that exacerbate orthostatic hypotension.

For more information on managing orthostatic hypotension in the context of Parkinson's disease, please call our Parkinson's HealthLine at 1800 644 189.

Parkinson's NSW Nurse specialist, Rachael Mackinnon, recently presented an informative session on orthostatic hypotension. You can view the session by clicking the provided image.

According to recent studies, the effective management of orthostatic hypotension involves both non-pharmacological strategies and targeted medications. The goal is to minimize the frequency and severity of symptoms, improving overall quality of life.

Some non-pharmacological management techniques include increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression garments, avoiding sudden position changes, elevating the head of the bed, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding excessive heat and triggers. Pharmacological therapy may involve the use of alpha-adrenergic agonists, mineralocorticoids, pyridostigmine, and careful medication reviews to discontinue aggravating drugs.

Addressing underlying causes, making dietary adjustments, and monitoring for supine hypertension are also important factors in managing orthostatic hypotension. By combining these strategies, patients can effectively manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of episodes, improving their safety and overall quality of life.

  1. Science has shown that the management of orthostatic hypotension, a condition often associated with Parkinson's disease, requires a combination of both non-pharmacological strategies and targeted medications.
  2. Mismanagement of chronic diseases like orthostatic hyputension, a form of low blood pressure, can lead to potential symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and fainting, which might indicate neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.
  3. To improve cardiovascular health and overall well-being, a balanced approach to health and wellness involves maintaining proper hydration, regular fitness and exercise, and strategies for mental health, like avoiding caffeine at night and limiting stress.
  4. Therapies and treatments for medical conditions such as orthostatic hypotension might include a careful review of medications, adjusting or discontinuing those that exacerbate the condition, and the use of medications like alpha-adrenergic agonists and mineralocorticoids.
  5. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in managing conditions like orthostatic hypotension, as well as chronic diseases like cancer; increasing fluid and salt intake, avoiding triggers, and making dietary adjustments are essential elements in an effective treatment plan.
  6. Effectively managing orthostatic hypotension involves not only pharmaceutical interventions but also lifestyle modifications such as taking time to slowly rise from a seated position, practicing good sleep habits, and staying aware of the signs and symptoms of associated medical conditions.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest