Postprandialhypotensionoccurs when blood pressure significantly drops after eating.
Postprandial hypotension is more common in older people and those with underlying health conditions, includingdiabetesandParkinson’s disease.
This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatment of postprandial hypotension.
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Up to one in three older adults will have some degree of postprandial hypotension.
For most of these individuals, the condition is mild and does not trigger symptoms.
In some people, however, postprandial hypotension can become quite serious.
Postprandial hypotension is one particular form oforthostatic hypotension(a drop in blood pressure while standing up).
Symptoms tend to be more severe after eating a large meal or one that is heavy in carbohydrates.
Consuming alcohol before or during a meal can be another contributor.
These symptoms usually resolve within two hours or so after finishing a meal.
Standing up increases this effect.
Some blood accumulation in the abdominal organs after a meal is normal since digesting food requires increased blood flow.
To compensate, the blood vessels in the legs naturally constrict as a reflex.
It rarely occurs in younger people, and most older people never develop symptoms from this increased blood pooling.
Those who experience significant symptoms from postprandial hypotension tend to be older.
If these measures are insufficient, other therapies commonly used to treat orthostatic hypotension may be helpful.
Foods to Help With Postprandial Hypotension
High-carb foods tend to make postprandial hypotension symptoms worse.
However, this treatment is quite expensive and can cause significant side effects.
Is Hypotension Linked to Hypoglycemia?
People who experience postprandial hypotension often also have diabetes, though it’s not always the case.
Some people with diabetes may have a neuropathy condition that also contributes to the problem.
However, more study is needed.
It’s more common in older people, and those with certain diseases, including diabetes.
Lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication, can help keep postprandial hypotension under control.
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