Definition

The circulatory system is responsible for keeping humans alive. This includes the heart and blood vessels. This system will regulate human blood circulation, including blood pressure. Blood pressure in the human body adjusts in response to activities and needs. If there is a disturbance in the system, it can disrupt the stability of blood pressure.

Systemic disorders can lead to diseases such as low blood pressure. In medical terminology, low blood pressure is referred to as hypotension. The term "hypo" means "too low." Hypotension is a condition where the blood pressure is below 90/60 mmHg.

In general, hypotension is classified into several types, including postural hypotension. Simply put, postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions from sitting or lying down to standing. This sudden drop in blood pressure is usually caused by a reflex disorder or a reaction to the side effects of certain medications.

One of the tasks of the circulatory system is to deliver blood to the whole body. Low blood pressure causes blood to be unable to reach certain parts of the body, including the brain. These nutrients and oxygen will be used to build energy, allowing the body to function properly.

When the body's organs do not get enough food and oxygen, it can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms of postural hypotension are usually caused by a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain. This condition can result in high morbidity and mortality rates because it increases a person's risk of falling. However, postural hypotension can be asymptomatic or cause no symptoms at all.

This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. However, postural hypotension has a tendency to cause symptoms in the elderly.

Causes

Postural hypotension is more likely to develop as you age. This is because as we age, the cells in our hearts and blood vessels that regulate blood pressure slow down. In addition, the aging process can cause nerve or neurogenic disorders. This condition will disrupt the autonomic nervous system. In addition, several other factors can cause postural hypotension, including:

• Dehydration or lack of fluid. This condition occurs when you vomit or have severe diarrhea and are not getting enough fluid intake. This condition results in a lack of fluid in the body, which affects blood volume. When the blood volume in the body decreases, it can lead to hypotension. Therefore, to maintain normal blood volume, any fluid lost through vomiting or diarrhea must be replaced immediately
• Meal. One-third of the elderly experience dizziness following a large and heavy meal. This is because consuming a large meal requires a lot of blood in the digestive system, which means less blood flows to other parts of the body. When your body is unable to adapt, your blood pressure drops dramatically, making you feel dizzy. This condition is also known as postprandial hypotension or hypotension after eating
• Heart attacks and heart disorders. In this condition, the heart is unable to adequately pump blood, resulting in hypotension. This condition prevents blood flow from reaching all parts of the body properly
• Taking certain medications that may cause hypotension. Some drugs include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and angiotensin receptor blockers. These drugs are used to treat heart conditions. Furthermore, antidepressants and erectile dysfunction drugs can cause postural hypotension

Risk Factors

• Being pregnant
• In old age, especially over 65 years old
• Have heart problems and are taking heart medications that have hypotensive side effects
• Taking certain types of anti-depressants and medications to treat erectile dysfunction

Symptoms

Postural hypotension occurs on a more frequent basis and with more severe symptoms in the morning. This is because blood pressure is lowest in the mornings. Some people show no symptoms or are asymptomatic. The main symptom that appears in postural hypotension is dizziness. Other symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea or feeling warm and sweaty
• Short or shallow breathing
• Pain in the chest, shoulders, or neck

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask you several questions about your low blood pressure complaint. Furthermore, the doctor will perform a physical examination, measuring your blood pressure while you are sitting or lying down and again when you stand up.

If necessary, the doctor will conduct an additional examination, such as a blood test. It is done to assess your overall health and the presence of other diseases that may be causing hypotension, anemia, or a lack of red blood cells in the body, low body fluid levels, and chemical imbalances.

Additionally, the doctor may perform a tilt table test examination. The doctor instructs you to lie down on a table, which is then tilted to elevate your upper body. This test is done to determine the body's reaction to a change in position.

Management

The doctor will ask you several questions about your low blood pressure complaint. Furthermore, the doctor will perform a physical examination, measuring your blood pressure while you are sitting or lying down and again when you stand up.

If necessary, the doctor will conduct an additional examination, such as a blood test. It is done to assess your overall health and the presence of other diseases that may be causing hypotension, anemia, or a lack of red blood cells in the body, low body fluid levels, and chemical imbalances.

Additionally, the doctor may perform a tilt table test examination. The doctor instructs you to lie down on a table, which is then tilted to elevate your upper body. This test is done to determine the body's reaction to a change in position.

Complications

The doctor will treat both the condition causing the dizziness and any other underlying conditions that may be contributing to the condition.

If the symptoms are caused by medication side effects, the medication may need to be adjusted. The doctor will also recommend healthier and more consistent eating habits.

In certain cases, the doctor may prescribe medications to treat postural hypotension. However, this tends to be rare.

Prevention

Several complications can occur due to low blood pressure. Hypotension can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the brain. This can cause a lack of oxygen intake in the brain, preventing it from functioning properly. Furthermore, this condition increases the risk of dizziness, weakness, and fainting, as well as injury from falls.

When to See a Doctor?

There are several ways to prevent postural hypotension. To keep your balance, try standing up slowly. Avoid sitting with your feet crossed for an extended period of time. Do not stand still in one place; instead, move your feet to keep the blood flowing.