Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that can cause unexplained falls, syncope, lightheadedness, cognitive impairment, shortness of breath, fatigue, and blurred vision. It is common in older people and can affect up to 20-30% of people with PD. OH can significantly impact the quality of life of those involved, and this condition often requires specialized medical attention from a neurologist in Orlando. It can increase the risk of falls and injuries and can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of syncope and falls.
Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, is a condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position. It can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, weakness, fainting, confusion, and nausea. In this blog post, we will explain what causes orthostatic hypotension, how it is diagnosed, and how it can be treated.
Orthostatic hypotension can have various causes, such as:
Orthostatic hypotension (OH)
To diagnose orthostatic hypotension, a healthcare provider will measure your blood pressure while lying down and again after you stand up. You have orthostatic hypotension if your systolic blood pressure (the top number) drops by 20 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or more or your diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) drops by 10 mmHg or more within three minutes of standing up.
Your healthcare provider will also ask you about your medical history, medications, symptoms, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to orthostatic hypotension. You may also need some tests to rule out other causes of low blood pressure or to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing orthostatic hypotension.
These tests may include:
Treatment of orthostatic hypotension
The treatment of orthostatic hypotension depends on its cause and severity. Some general measures that can help prevent or relieve symptoms include:
In some cases, you may also need medications to treat orthostatic hypotension. These may include:
Fludrocortisone
A synthetic hormone that increases sodium and fluid retention and raises blood pressure.
Midodrine
A drug that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Pyridostigmine
A drug that enhances nerve signals and improves blood vessel tone.
Droxidopa
A drug that increases the levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that regulates blood pressure and heart rate.
Erythropoietin
A hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells and increases blood volume and oxygen delivery.
Conclusion
Orthostatic hypotension is a condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position. It can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, weakness, fainting, confusion, and nausea. It can have various causes, such as dehydration, medications, heart problems, endocrine.
