Postural Hypotension
Postural hypotension (also called orthostatic hypotension) is a sudden fall in blood pressure when you rise from sitting or lying down. Blood pressure drops by at least 20 mmHg systolic within three minutes of standing, reducing blood flow to the brain and causing lightheadedness, blurred vision, or a brief faint.
Key takeaways
- Other contributors include prolonged bed rest, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and some antihypertensives or diuretics.
- The cause, severity, duration, other health conditions and current medicines determine which assessment and treatment are appropriate.
- Treatment is chosen for the underlying cause and may combine medicines with monitoring or supportive care.
Catalogue matches are not a diagnosis; suitability depends on the confirmed cause, severity and individual health factors.
What brings it on
Dehydration, blood loss, prolonged bed rest, autonomic disorders and medicines for blood pressure, mood or Parkinson’s disease can contribute. Reviewing when symptoms occur and checking lying and standing blood pressure helps identify the pattern.
Managing the condition
Management starts with the cause and a review of contributing medicines. Rising slowly and maintaining appropriate fluid intake may help some people; salt or compression advice is not suitable for everyone. Midodrine may be considered for selected patients and needs monitoring because it can raise blood pressure while lying down.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care after fainting with injury, chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, black or bloody stools, persistent low blood pressure, or new neurological symptoms. Recurrent near-fainting or falls needs prompt medicine and cardiovascular review.