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Postural Hypotension - Orthostatic Hypotension
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Orthostatic hypotension is low blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up. It results in decreased blood flow to the brain.
What is going on in the body?
When a person goes from sitting or lying to a standing position, gravity can cause blood to pool in the lower half of the body. This can lower the blood pressure. However, the body has many ways to prevent this from happening, such as the heart pumping harder. In various conditions, the body is unable to prevent abnormally low blood pressure from happening when a person stands up. This can lead to symptoms and is called orthostatic hypotension.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Orthostatic hypotension has many possible causes, including:
Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.