Postural Hypotension

Postural Hypotension is a condition where there are episodes of low blood pressure when a person stands up or sits down. A person feels dizziness and lightheadedness when sitting up or standing quickly. This indicates that the cardiovascular system does not make quick adjustments to accommodate changed position. This situation is possible in people who are on certain medications. For persons who constantly face low blood pressure, this is not an alarming situation.

Diuretics, drugs for hypertension, heart medications and antidepressants can lead to postural hypotension. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or other endocrine disorders can result in episodes of postural hypotension. Severe blood loss can cause sharp sharp fall in blood pressure. Other causes for postural hypotension are dehydration, diabetes and varicose veins.

ECG and EKG can check for any possible irregularities in the heart rhythm. The doctor might conduct a tilt-table test to check your body reaction to differences in position. Blood tests help detect any anemia or hypoglycemia. Persons suffering postural hypotension can increase salt intake slightly. Drinking plenty of water aids in increasing blood volume and preventing dehydration.

Tilt table test

Tilt table test is a diagnostic test that is conduced on patients suffering from symptoms such as sudden drop in blood pressure. Patients suffering from symptoms such as fainting spells or severe lightheadedness may be asked to go through the tilt table test to check changes in postural hypotension. The tilt table test can throw light on unexplained fainting spells. During a tilt table test, the blood pressure is monitored with respect to its response to stress of gravity. Syncope is caused by unusual body response to position changes. Patients undergoing tilt table test are connected to ECG-type machine and IV line too. Isoproterenol or similar drugs are used during the tilt table test. It is essential that the physician is informed of any medications such as appetite suppressants and sleeping pills. The patient is monitored in supine position and later in sitting position. Any symptoms of dizziness or vertigo are noted. Abnormal results of tilt table test are indicative of abnormality of blood pressure regulation.