Postural hypotension occurs when someone stands up too quickly, causing a momentary lack of blood to the brain. It is common in the elderly, people with diabetes, and athletes who don’t cool down properly. It can also be a sign of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a doctor if it happens frequently. Simple remedies include standing up slowly or tensing abdominal muscles.
Postural hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when someone moves from a lying or sitting position to a standing position too quickly. Many people experience postural hypotension at some point in their lives and there are a number of reasons people may experience this form of low blood pressure. However, there are some instances where it can be a cause for concern, as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue, in which case it may be a good idea to see a doctor.
Also known as orthostatic hypotension, postural hypotension occurs because blood has pooled in the lower limbs. When someone stands up too suddenly, the brain experiences a momentary lack of blood before the circulatory system kicks in to correct the problem. As a result, someone might feel dizzy, lightheaded, elated, or just plain weird when they suddenly change position. The sensation is usually fleeting.
Orthostatic hypotension is more common in the elderly, people with diabetes, and individuals with poor circulation. It can also happen to athletes if they train hard and then sit down; their dilated blood vessels will facilitate the stagnation of blood in the lower limbs and, consequently, when they stand up, they will experience postural hypotension. This can be prevented by always cooling down after exercise to give the body a chance to gear itself up, shall we say, from the demands of heavy exercise.
Underlying disease processes can also cause postural hypotension. Spinal cord injuries have also been linked to this symptom, as have anemia and hypovolemia. Hypovolaemia is a fancy way of saying “low blood volume,” and it usually occurs because someone has had some blood loss. When less blood is circulating, it can be difficult for the body to compensate for changes in position and therefore postural hypotension is more common.
The occasional bout of postural hypotension is nothing to worry about. However, if it starts happening often or if symptoms seem persistent, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. Your doctor can run some tests to find out more about why it’s happening and make some treatment recommendations to resolve your postural hypotension and, ideally, the underlying cause. Sometimes, the recommendation can be as simple as standing up slowly or tensing your abdominal muscles as you stand up. This appears to help with postural hypotension when patients experience it as a simple byproduct of aging or living with chronic disease.
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