Final answer:
Orthostatic hypotension is when blood pressure drops upon standing, causing dizziness or fainting, often due to hypovolemia or autonomic failure. Treatment involves managing underlying conditions or adjusting medications that affect blood pressure. It's diagnosed when there's a decrease of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within three minutes of standing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Orthostatic Hypotension Definition and Causes
Orthostatic hypotension is a condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position. This drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting because the brain is temporarily deprived of sufficient blood flow, and consequently, oxygen.
There are several causes of orthostatic hypotension. The first being hypovolemia, which means there is too low a blood volume for the sympathetic reflex to be effective. Hypovolemia may be due to dehydration or the use of medications that affect fluid balance, such as diuretics and vasodilators, which are used to manage systemic hypertension. Adjusting these medications or increasing fluid and salt intake can often mitigate the symptoms. The second cause of orthostatic hypotension is autonomic failure, where there is compromised sympathetic function due to disorders such as diabetes or multiple system atrophy. Addressing the underlying disorder can improve the hypotension symptoms.
Orthostatic Hypotension Range
Orthostatic hypotension is usually defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within three minutes of standing. However, the range can differ based on individual health conditions and any concurrent medications.
It is important to address any underlying health conditions that may affect vascular homeostasis, such as hypertension, to maintain a stable blood pressure level and reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension.