Orthostatic Hypotension What is Orthostatic Hypotension? Orthostatic hypotension (also known as postural hypotension) is a drop in blood pressure that occurs with a change in body posture e.g. lying down to sitting or standing up suddenly. When your blood pressure drops, blood flow to your organs such as brain and muscles is reduced, which causes symptoms and may make you prone to falls. What symptoms will I experience? Symptoms vary from person to person and many may also not experience any symptoms. The most common symptoms are a sensation of dizziness or light headedness and a sense of imbalance.
If the blood pressure drop is significant, circulation to the brain is reduced, and a feeling of faintness and loss of consciousness may occur. Any of the above symptoms can cause falls and injury. Why does blood pressure drop with a change in position? There are many conditions that can cause a drop in blood pressure upon postural change. These include Diabetes mellitus and Parkinson’s disease. Drugs are also a common cause of orthostatic hypotension, including the drugs used for the treatment of hypertension, heart condition and Parkinson’s disease.
Orthostatic hypotension may also be aggravated by a minor illness, dehydration, prolonged sitting or standing, and being in hot weather. What can I do to help myself?
•
Raising the head of your bed by 10-20 degrees is helpful in preventing a drop in blood pressure
Is there anything I should not do?
Inform your healthcare worker if you are experiencing any symptoms and discuss if any of the medications you are on need to be stopped or reduced.
•
Do not walk if you are dizzy. Wait till symptoms subside and sit down if they are severe
•
Do not sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
•
•
Keep yourself well hydrated, a cup of coffee in the morning is helpful.
Avoid taking a hot bath or shower
•
•
Do simple exercises with your legs to improve circulation
Do not take heavy meals and take small frequent meals instead
•
Take your time to stand up from a sitting or lying position.
•
These are some simple exercises to improve circulation and prevent major drop in your blood pressure. 1
Ankle Pumps
Lying on your back. Bend and straighten your ankles. Repeat 10 times.
2
Heel Slides
Lying on your back. Bend and straighten your leg. Repeat 10 times.
3
Straight Leg Raise
Lying on your back. Lift your leg off the bed. Repeat 10 times.
4
Ankle Pumps in Sitting
Sit on a chair. Bend and straighten your ankles. Repeat 10 times.
5
Seated Knee Extensions
Sit on a chair. Straighten your knee. Repeat 10 times.
6
Seated Marches
Sit on a chair. Lift your leg up off the seat keeping the knee bent. Repeat 10 times.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
IP.PE.76.1121