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What is orthostatic hypotension?
26 September 2025
Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, is a condition where your blood pressure drops when you get up after sitting or lying down. This can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, or even cause you to lose consciousness.
This condition can be mild or severe. It usually occurs in older adults, primarily due to one of the following reasons:
- Nervous system conditions.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Dehydration.
- Heat exposure.
- Ingesting certain foods.
- Medications.
- Staying in bed for a long time due to an illness or injury, which can cause weakness.
- Heart conditions.
- Endocrine disorders.
Signs and symptoms Orthostatic Hypotension
The most common symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, confusion, fatigue, and a feeling of fainting.
Some people may also experience headaches, palpitations, or excessive sweating. All these signs usually appear within the first few seconds or minutes after a change in posture, but in most cases, they resolve quickly if the person sits or lies down again.
In more severe or frequent cases, orthostatic hypotension can lead to a temporary loss of consciousness, known as syncope, which can cause falls. In addition to the risk of injury, fractures, or head trauma from the fall itself, it can also trigger a fear of moving, causing people to become less active, which can lead to a decline in their quality of life.
Diagnosis Orthostatic Hypotension
The diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension is mainly done by monitoring blood pressure and heart rate.
Values are typically recorded while the patient is lying down. These measurements are also taken while sitting and, finally, while standing. A drop in systolic pressure of at least 20 mmHg or diastolic pressure of 10 mmHg within the first three minutes of standing confirms the diagnosis.
Beyond these measurements, the doctor may order complementary tests such as a blood analysis, electrocardiogram, or echocardiogram to rule out secondary causes like dehydration, anemia, heart disorders, or endocrine problems.
Less frequently, more specialized tests may be requested, such as a tilt table test, which helps to evaluate the cardiovascular system’s response to postural changes in a controlled way.
Treatment Orthostatic Hypotension
The treatment for orthostatic hypotension depends on both the cause and the severity of the condition.
For mild cases, measures like getting up slowly, avoiding abrupt changes in posture, and increasing fluid and salt intake (as long as there are no medical contraindications) are often recommended. The use of compression stockings can also help improve venous return.
When general measures are not enough, medications that help maintain blood pressure may be prescribed.
Periodic follow-up and patient education are essential for proper management, which helps prevent future episodes.
At the Cardiovascular Center of Centro Médico ABC, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
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Ricardo Ostos
Content CreatorLearn more about Ricardo on LinkedIn
The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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