Orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drop)Blood pressureorthostatic
Orthostatic hypotension, also known as positional low blood pressure, occurs when you stand up from sitting or lying down. It may causedizzinessor confusion and can even lead to fainting.
This dropin blood pressurecan be mild and last less than a few minutes; however, if it lasts a long time, it could indicate more serious problems.
Acute orthostatic hypotension is usually triggered by something obvious like dehydration or prolonged rest and is easily treated. Chronic orthostatic hypotension usually signals another health issue, leading to different treatments.
Signs of orthostatic hypotension:
Symptoms of positional low blood pressure include:
-Feeling dizzy or lightheaded after standing
-Blurred vision
-Weakness
-Extreme fatigue
-Confusion
–Nausea
When to see a doctor for positional blood pressure issues?
Dizziness or confusion might be mild, triggered by slight dehydration orlow blood sugaror overheating. It may also occur when standing up after sitting for a long time. If these signs only happen occasionally, there is likely no reason to worry.
As stated in the health section ofSelMagz, it’s crucial to see a doctor if you frequently experience signs of orthostatic hypotension, as they may lead to serious issues.
If you lose consciousness, even for a few seconds, it’s very important to consult a doctor and consider how long it lasted and what you were doing at that time; keep track of your symptoms. If these issues occur in dangerous situations, like driving, discuss it with your doctor.
Why do we experience orthostatic hypotension?
Causes of positional blood pressure drop:
When you stand up, gravity pulls blood to your legs and abdomen, reducing blood flow to your heart, thus lowering your blood pressure. Typically, specialized cells (baroreceptors) near your heart and neck arteries detect this blood pressure.
Baroreceptors send signals to your brain that make your heart beat faster and pump more blood, stabilizing blood pressure. They also narrow blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
A drop in positional blood pressure occurs when something disrupts this natural process of your body compensating for low blood pressure. Many different conditions can lead to orthostatic hypotension, including:
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Severe diarrhea
Strenuous exercise leading to excessive sweating
Mild dehydration may cause symptoms like weakness, confusion, and fatigue.
Heart problems
Some heart issues that can lead to low blood pressure includevery low heart rate (bradycardia), valve issues,heart attack,and heart failure. This problem hinders your body’s ability to pump more blood when standing.Endocrine disorders
Thyroid issues, kidney failure (Addison’s disease), and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to orthostatic hypotension, potentially damaging the nerves that help regulate blood pressure signals.
Nervous system disorders
Some nervous system disorders, like
Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, Lewy body dysfunction, pure autonomic failure, and amyloidosis can disrupt your normal blood pressure regulation system.After eating
Some people may experience low blood pressure (very low blood pressure) after meals. This condition is more common in older adults.
Risk factors for positional blood pressure:
Risk factors for orthostatic hypotension include:
Age:
Orthostatic hypotension is common in those aged 65 and older.
Special cells (baroreceptors) near your heart and neck arteries that regulate blood pressure may slow down as you age. An older heart may also find it harder to pump blood quickly and offset low blood pressure.
Medications:
These include medications used to treat
high blood pressureor heart diseases, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, alpha antagonists, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and nitrates.Other medications that may increase the likelihood of orthostatic hypotension include those for treating Parkinson’s disease, specific psychiatric drugs, muscle relaxants, prescription medications for erectile dysfunction, and narcotics.
Using high blood pressure medications with over-the-counter drugs can lead to low blood pressure.Specific diseases:Some heart problems, like valve issues, heart attack, and heart failure; some nervous system disorders like
diabetes
, and diseases that cause nerve damage (
neuropathy) like diabetes, increase the risk of low blood pressure.Prolonged exposure to heat:Being in a hot environment can cause excessive sweating and potentially lead todehydration
which can lower your blood pressure.
Staying in bed for too long:If you remain in bed for an extended period, you may become weak. When you try to stand, you might experience orthostatic hypotension.Pregnancy:
As your circulatory system expands quickly during
pregnancy
, your blood pressure is likely to drop. This is normal, and blood pressure usually returns to pre-pregnancy levels after childbirth.Is positional blood pressure common during pregnancy?
Problems and complications of low positional blood pressure:Chronic orthostatic hypotension can lead to serious issues, especially in older adults. These include:Falling
Fainting (syncope) is one of the common complications for people with orthostatic hypotension.
Stroke
Blood pressure fluctuations when standing and sitting due to orthostatic hypotension can be a risk factor for stroke caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
Cardiovascular diseases
Orthostatic hypotension can be a risk for cardiovascular diseases such as
chest pain
, heart failure, or heart problems.
Diagnosing positional blood pressure:
Your main goal in evaluating orthostatic hypotension is to find the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment for any health issues that may contribute to your low blood pressure. The cause isn’t always unknown, and your doctor may review your medical history, examine your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination to aid in diagnosing your condition.Your doctor may also recommend one or more of the tests mentioned in the health section of SelMagz regarding low blood pressure:Blood pressure measurement
Your doctor will measure your blood pressure while you are sitting and standing and will compare the numbers. Orthostatic hypotension will be diagnosed if there is a drop of 20 mmHg in your systolic blood pressure or a drop of 10 mmHg in your diastolic blood pressure for two to five minutes while standing, or if symptoms and signs are noted upon standing.
Blood tests
These tests can provide insights into your overall health, including low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and red blood cell levels (
anemia
) which may both contribute to low blood pressure.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) tests your heart rhythm or structure and detects problems related to blood and oxygen supply to your heart muscles.
During this non-invasive test, adhesive patches (electrodes) are attached to your chest, arms, and legs. These patches detect your heart’s electrical signals and record them on graph paper or display them on screen.Sometimes, heart rhythm issues may appear and disappear, and the ECG may not find any problems. If this happens, you may be asked to wear a 24-hour monitor to record your heart’s electrical activity.Echocardiogram
This non-invasive test uses sound waves to produce a video image of your heart. The sound waves of your heart are emitted from a transducer placed on your chest.
The sound waves reflecting off your heart and bouncing off the chest wall will be electronically processed, providing video images of your heart to diagnose any underlying heart diseases.
Stress test
A stress test occurs while you exercise, such as walking on a treadmill. You may also be given medication to make your heart work harder if you cannot exercise. When your heart works harder, it will be monitored with electrocardiography, echocardiography, or other tests.
Tilt table test
The tilt table test assesses how your body reacts to changes in position. You lie on a flat table that tilts at the upper body, simulating the movement from horizontal to standing. Your blood pressure will be measured regularly as you tilt.
Valsalva maneuverThis non-invasive test analyzes your autonomic nervous system by examining heart rate and blood pressure after several deep breaths. You deeply inhale and blow air through your mouth as if trying to inflate a deflated balloon.
Treatment for orthostatic hypotension:
The goal of treating orthostatic hypotension is to restore normal blood pressure. This typically involves increasing blood volume, reducing blood pooling in the lower legs, and helping blood vessels expand and circulate blood throughout the body.
For mild orthostatic hypotension, one of the simplest remedies is to sit or lie down immediately after feeling dizzy. Your symptoms will gradually improve.
When low blood pressure is caused by medications, treatment usually involves adjusting the dosage or stopping the medication altogether.
Treatments for orthostatic hypotension include:
Lifestyle changes
Your doctor may recommend several lifestyle changes, including drinking enough water, avoiding alcohol, preventing overheating, raising the head of your bed, avoiding crossing your legs when sitting, and standing up slowly.
If you do not have high blood pressure, your doctor may increase the amount of salt in your diet. If your blood pressure drops after eating, your doctor might suggest low and low-carb foods.
Using compression stockings
Compression socks and abdominal binders may help reduce blood pooling in the legs and alleviate symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
Medications
Various medications, either alone or in combination, can be used to treat orthostatic hypotension.
For example, medications are often used to help increase the volume of fluid in your blood, increasing blood pressure. Midodrine raises blood pressure by narrowing your blood vessels.
Droxidopa (Northera) can be prescribed for treating orthostatic hypotension related to Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, or autoimmune failure.
Other medications like pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Regonol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), caffeine, and epoetin (Epogen, Procrit, etc.) may also be used alone or with other medications for people who do not respond to lifestyle changes or other medications.
Medication treatment for positional blood pressure
Lifestyle and home remedies for positional blood pressure:
Increase dietary salt
This should be done carefully and only after discussing it with your doctor. The health section of SelMagz directly mentions that excessive salt can raise your blood pressure to unsafe levels, introducing serious health risks.
Eat smaller meals
If your blood pressure drops after eating, your doctor may recommend small, low-carb meals.
Healthy fats are a very important part of the treatment diet
Healthy fats can be found in
coconuts,
olives,
avocados,
their oils, butter, and plant oils, as well as
animal fats.Omega-3 fatty acidsand linoleic acid (CLA) found in salmon, grass-fed meats, and full-fat dairy provide numerous benefits.These healthy fats are an efficient source for the body to fight inflammation and support brain function.You should eliminate refined sugars and grains that raise blood glucose levels and increase acidity in tissues. Also, avoid harmful fats like trans fats and highly processed oils. They severely harm the body.Ask about supportive vitaminsBoth anemia andvitamin B-12 deficiency can affect blood flow and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, so iron and vitamins may be beneficial if you have severe deficiencies.Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated helps prevent symptoms of low blood pressure. Drink plenty of water when standing or engage in activities that do not provoke your symptoms.
Adding lemon to water is an excellent strategy
Lemon is naturally rich in vitamin C, citrus bioflavonoids, and key electrolytes like
potassiumandmagnesium.
The combination of
vitamin C
and bioflavonoids offers numerous health benefits, including increased tissue oxygenation.
ExerciseRegular aerobic exercise may help alleviate symptoms of depression. Avoid exercising in humid and hot weather. Stretch your muscles before sitting. If symptoms strike, compress your thighs and tighten your abdominal and glute muscles. Squat,walkand stand on your tiptoes.Avoid bending your backIf something falls on the ground, squat on your knees to pick it up.Get up slowly
You can reduce your dizziness and confusion by getting up slowly. Also, sit on the edge of your bed for a minute before getting out.
Move your legs when standingIf you notice symptoms when standing, cross your thighs and press, or place one foot on a ledge or chair and bend as much as possible. These actions help blood flow from your legs to your heart.We hope that by following the mentioned treatments, you can significantly reduce your symptoms and signs of the condition.
8 Effective Treatments for Low Blood Pressure
1. Herbs:
Herbs not only help raise low blood pressure but also care for the kidneys, liver, and heart, which may be affected by low pressure.
Suitable herbs for low blood pressure include turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, cardamom, hawthorn, borage, and Indian valarian.
2. Yoga:
Yoga calms the mind and balances the autonomic nervous system (which controls stress).
Yoga can combat the causes of low blood pressure and stabilize your blood pressure. Effective yoga poses include: Uttanasana, Moola Adho, Supta Badhakonasana, Viparita Karani, and Savasana. Some breathing techniques include Bhastrika Pranayama, Anuloma Viloma Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, and Udgita Pranayama.
3. Acupuncture:
Low blood pressure can create symptoms due to insufficient Qi and blood flow through arteries and veins. The blood flow may be so low that it cannot deliver adequate oxygen and
nutrients
to vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys.
This results in feelings of fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and
drowsiness
, even after prolonged sleep. A comprehensive approach to reducing low blood pressure through acupuncture and acupressure improves and naturally enhances blood flow.
4. Reflexology:
Body organs have reflex points in our hands and feet, so by stimulating these points, we can treat the organ responsible for the ailment. Reflexology can successfully treat low blood pressure. It’s simple and has no side effects while offering numerous benefits that not only control blood pressure but also promote overall body health.5. Blood Sugar Stability:Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for improving this issue. Processed foods, carbohydrates, and sugars cause blood sugar instability. Unstable blood sugar increases inflammation, causes hormonal imbalance, and negatively impacts health and vitality.
To balance and stabilize blood sugar levels, eat a good meal every two hours.The best foods for blood sugar stability are healthy fats like coconut, avocado, olives, andolive oil
, grass-fed butter, and
pasture-raised eggs. Herbs and spices like turmeric and cinnamon, along with
apple cider vinegar
and lemon, work great for balancing blood sugar levels.
Green tea
and coffee are the best beverages to help stabilize blood sugar. If you readily show sensitivity or negative reactions tocoffee, then try to avoid it.Trace minerals and electrolytes:Having adequate amounts of trace minerals and electrolytes in your diet is crucial for improving this issue. Trace minerals are essential elements needed for health but only in small amounts. Trace minerals include iron, copper, iodine, fluoride, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. Nutrient imbalances can be risk factors for several diseases.Balancing various electrolytes is vital for healthy body function, and as mentioned in the health section of SelMagz, common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, and phosphate.To maintain proper electrolyte balance in the body, add natural salt (
Himalayan pink salt or gray Celtic salt)to your water. An increase in salt intake from 3000 to 10,000 milligrams per day is recommended for optimal intake. Drinking dilutedbrothfrom organic vegetables or chicken due to its rich mineral content is also beneficial.
6. Stress reduction:
Increased
stress hormone
activates the adrenal glands more, leading to lowered immunity, reduced digestive function, fatigue, and impacts on blood pressure. It’s important to take steps to relieve stress and lower cortisol levels during the day.Following a treatment regimen and balancing blood sugar levels are two effective strategies for minimizing stress on the body. Other powerful techniques include deep breathing exercises, soaking in sunlight, Epsom salt baths, and dry brushing. Practicing these stress-reduction strategies daily is essential for enhancing the body’s capabilities.7. Improving bowel motility:It’s important to have regular bowel movements to improve low blood pressure issues. We should have a bowel movement two to three times a day, as our body naturally eliminates what it consumes within 12 to 24 hours of eating.Regular bowel movement is essential as it helps eliminate toxins from our body. When we
are constipated
and face difficulty in emptying the bowels, the digested food becomes a breeding ground for harmful microbes.These harmful microbes produce toxins leading to inflammation. Following an anti-inflammatory diet high in fiber will improve bowel movement. Good fiber sources include chia and flax seeds. Bone broth, fermented foods, and probiotics also aid in improving bowel motility.How to treat positional hypotension?
8. Deep breathing
One crucial aspect of physical and mental health is breathing. Tissue oxygenation through breathing is essential for all human functions, energy, and performance. Deep breathing is an effective strategy for improving low blood pressure. Thoughtful deep breathing offers numerous health benefits.
It helps lower blood pressure, releases tension, relaxes the mind and body, alleviates pain, and massages the
organs.It also strengthens the lungs and detoxifies the body, improves digestion, strengthens muscles, and enhances posture.Most people have short, chest-centered breathing, which limits the body’s ability to function effectively.
Instead, you should practice deep (or diaphragmatic) breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing is crucial for transferring oxygen-rich air to the base of the lungs, which has three times the blood vessels for respiratory exchange compared to the upper lung area. This aids your body’s natural ability to pump fluids and nutrients to the heart structures and soft tissues around the spine.
Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic system responsible for relaxation, digestion, calmness, and growth and development. Deep breathing releases stress hormones and lowers heart rates and blood pressure.
To practice deep diaphragmatic breathing, try the following:
Be aware of your breath.
Lift your shoulders and slightly tilt your head back.Place your hand about an inch away from your navel.When you take a deep breath, your navel should expand towards your hand.
When you exhale, your abdomen should pull inward.
Sudden blood pressure drop
Causes of sudden blood pressure drop
Low blood pressure during pregnancy
- Drop in blood pressure during pregnancy
- Low blood pressure medication
- Blood pressure lowering drugs
- Bowel movements
- Risks of low blood pressure
