Symptoms can include light-headedness, blurry vision, leg weakness, and sometimes, passing out.
It will also review complications of postural hypotension and provide guidance on when to seek medical attention.
Symptoms may be aggravated by carbohydrate-rich meals, exercise, prolonged bed rest, and hot weather.
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They also tend to be more pronounced in the early morning.
Sweating from strenuous exercise and simply not drinking enough fluids can also lead to dehydration.
Norepinephrine is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that constricts (tightens) blood vessels during stress.
Thesympathetic nervous systemis part of the autonomic nervous system, regulating the body’sflight-or-fightresponse during perceived danger.
How Is Postural Hypotension Diagnosed?
The measurements must be taken within three minutes.
What Is Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Thesystolic pressure(top number) indicates the force exerted against artery walls when the heart beats.
Thediastolic pressure(bottom number) indicates the force exerted against artery walls when the heart rests between beats.
Further diagnostic testing may also be performed.
A tilt table test can also help evaluate alternative diagnoses, namelypostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome(POTS).
What Is POTS?
Symptoms are similar to postural hypotension, although there is little to no drop in blood pressure.
Also, excessivetachycardia(a fast heart rate) occurs upon standing.
Does Postural Hypotension Go Away?
Postural hypotension may go away if the underlying cause is reversible.
Sometimes, medications are prescribed to lessen symptoms.
Postural Hypotension Treatment
Treating non-reversible causes of postural hypotension begins with lifestyle or nondrug treatments.
If these fail to reduce symptoms, medication may be added.
kindly weigh the risks and benefits of salt intake with a healthcare provider.
Various medications may be prescribed to treat postural hypotension.
Midodrine’s effects occur within around one hour of taking it and last about four hours.
Droxidopa
Droxidopais an oral medication converted into norepinephrine after entering the body.
Increased norepinephrine levels in the body constrict blood vessels, raising blood pressure.
Potential side effects include low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia) and supine hypertension.
Can You Prevent Postural Hypotension?
Postural hypotension cannot necessarily be prevented unless the cause is reversible.
A healthcare provider may prescribe medication if these changes fail to ease your symptoms.
Cognitive impairment (thinking and memory problems) is also linked to postural hypotension.
It’s unclear if treating postural hypotension can prevent or delay cognitive decline.
However, speak to a healthcare provider if you notice symptoms worsening or becoming more frequent.
Also speak to a healthcare provider if you fall and hit your head or injure another body part.
Some people require medication to alleviate symptoms and help prevent complications like falls.
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