(also known as postural hypotension
, and, colloquially, as head rush
or a dizzy spell
) is a form of hypotension
in which there is a sudden (less than 3 minutes) fall in blood pressure
, typically greater than 20/10 mm Hg
, that occurs when a person assumes a standing position
, usually after a prolonged period of rest.
The incidence increases with age.
Symptoms, which generally occur after sudden standing, include dizziness
, lightheadedness, headache
, blurred or dimmed vision
(possibly to the point of momentary blindness
), generalized (or extremity) numbness
, and in rare, extreme cases, vasovagal syncope
. They are consequences of insufficient blood pressure
and cerebral perfusion
Orthostatic hypotension is primarily caused by gravity-induced blood pooling in the lower extremities, which in turn compromises venous return, resulting in decreased cardiac output
and subsequently lowering of arterial pressure. For example, if a person changes from a lying position to standing, he or she will lose about 700 ml
of blood from the thorax
. It can also be noted that although there is a decreased systolic (contracting) blood pressure
, there is actually an increased diastolic (resting) blood pressure
. However, the overall effect is an insufficient blood perfusion in the upper part of the body.
Still, the blood pressure does not normally fall very much, because it immediately triggers a vasoconstriction (baroreceptor reflex), pressing the blood up into the body again. Therefore, a secondary factor that causes a greater than normal fall in blood pressure is often required. Such factors include hypovolemia, diseases, medications, or, very rarely, safety harnesses.
Orthostatic hypotension may be caused by hypovolemia
(a decreased amount of blood
in the body), resulting from bleeding, the excessive use of diuretics
, or other types of drugs, dehydration
, or prolonged bed rest
. It also occurs in people with anemia
The disorder may be associated with Addison's disease
(build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries), diabetes
, and certain neurological
disorders including Shy-Drager syndrome
and other forms of dysautonomia
. It is also associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
. It is also present in many patients with Parkinson's Disease
resulting from sympathetic denervation of the heart or as a side effect of dopaminomimetic therapy. This rarely leads to syncope
unless the patient has developed true autonomic failure or has an unrelated cardiac problem.
Another disease is called Dopamine Beta-Hydroxylase Deficiency, that is thought to be underdiagnosed also, that causes loss of sympathetic noradrenergic function and is characterized by a low or extremely low levels of norepinephrine but an excess of dopamine.
It is a symptom that quadriplegics and paraplegics might experience due to multiple systems' inability to maintain a normal blood pressure and blood flow to the upper part of the body.
Recently, a common but underdiagnosed condition that is suspected to be closely related to orthostatic hypotension is spontaneous intracranial hypotension, which results from cerebrospinal fluid leakage. It affects women more than men and peaks at ages between 40 to 50.
Orthostatic hypotension can be a side effect of certain anti-depressants
, such as tricyclics
. It is also a side effect of the short-term use of marijuana
. Orthostatic hypotension can also be a side effect of alpha1
adrenergic blocking agents. Alpha1
blockers inhibit vasoconstriction normally initiated by the baroreceptor reflex
upon postural change and the subsequent drop in pressure.
The use of a safety harness can also contribute to orthostatic hypotension in the event of a fall. While a harness may safely rescue its user from a fall, the leg loops of a standard safety or climbing harness further restrict return blood flow from the legs to the heart, contributing to the decrease in blood pressure.
Other risk factors
Patients who are prone to orthostatic hypotension are the elderly, postpartum
mothers, those who have been on bedrest and teenagers because of their large amounts of growth in a short period of time. People suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa often suffer from orthostatic hypotension and it is a common side effect of these mental illnesses.
Consuming alcohol may also lead to orthostatic hypotension due to its dehydrating effects on the body.
Treatment and management
There are medications to treat hypotension. In addition there are several lifestyle issues, which however are most often specific to a certain cause of orthostatic hypotension.
Some drugs that are used in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension include fludrocortisone
(Florinef) and erythropoietin
to aid in fluid retention, and vasoconstrictors like midodrine
. Pyridostigmine bromide
(Mestinon) is also now used to treat the condition Beta blockers such as Metoprolol
succinate (Toprol-XL) may also be used.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) and Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI's) are helpful in many patients. Sometimes stimulant drugs such as Adderall or Ritalin can be of assistance. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed as well.
Some suggestions for minimizing the effects include:
- Standing slowly rather than quickly, as the delay can give the blood vessels more time to constrict properly. This can help avoid incidents of syncope (fainting).
- Take a deep breath and flex your abdominal muscles while rising to maintain blood and oxygen in the brain. This, however, may be contraindicated in individuals with Stage 2 hypertension. Usually medical personnel have their patients "dangle" before rising from bed to decrease the likelihood of dizziness/falling due to orthostatic hypotension. The dangling is done by having the patient sit on the side of their bed for about a minute so they do not have the sudden dizziness.
- Maintaining an elevated salt intake, through sodium supplements or electrolyte-enriched drinks. A suggested value is 10 g per day; overuse can lead to hypertension and should be avoided.
- Maintaining a proper fluid intake to prevent the effects of dehydration.
- As eating lowers blood pressure, eat multiple smaller meals rather than fewer larger meals. Take extra care when standing after eating.
- When orthostatic hypotension is caused by hypovolemia due to medications, the disorder may be reversed by adjusting the dosage or by discontinuing the medication.
- When the condition is caused by prolonged bed rest, improvement may occur by sitting up with increasing frequency each day. In some cases, physical counterpressure such as elastic
hose (stockings) or whole-body inflatable suits may be required.
- Many people who experience orthostatic hypotension are able to recognise the symptoms and quickly adopt a "squat position" to avoid falling during an episode. This is because they are usually unable to co-ordinate a return to sitting in a chair, once the episode has commenced.
The prognosis for individuals with orthostatic hypotension depends on the underlying cause of the condition.