Health News Desk: Occasional dizziness is common, however, if you feel dizzy frequently then you should immediately contact your doctor. Orthostatic hypotension is one of the known reasons why a person feels lightheaded when standing. Orthostatic defines upright posture while hypotension means low blood pressure. Dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, fainting and confusion are some of the common symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. However, these symptoms last only for a few minutes. Here’s everything you need to know about orthostatic hypotension.
Reason:
Dehydration: Suffering from a fever, not consuming enough fluids, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, leading to symptoms of orthostatic hypotension such as weakness and fatigue.
Heart problems: People with heart conditions can often undergo symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Many heart conditions prevent the body from pumping more blood quickly enough when a person is standing.
Endocrine problems: Conditions such as thyroid, adrenal insufficiency, low blood sugar, and diabetes can cause orthostatic hypotension.
Nervous system disorders: Some nervous system disorders disturb the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure which helps increase the chances of orthostatic hypotension.
Eating disorders: This is more common in older adults. This condition is called postprandial hypotension where people’s blood pressure drops after eating a meal.
Treatment:
One of the easiest treatments is to sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy. Some lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of water, can also help relieve symptoms. Increasing salt intake may also help manage hypotension as it is believed to increase blood pressure. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before increasing salt intake. If symptoms persist despite these efforts, further treatment will require medication.
