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.