

Depending on your individual case, your doctor may also recommend adding more salt to your diet. Stick to small meals if your blood pressure drops after eating.Some prescription drugs can cause postural hypotension as a side effect, including certain heart medications, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and those used to treat erectile dysfunction. Elevate the head of your bed and get up slowly from a lying or sitting position.Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, which is associated with a higher risk of the problem. Most approaches to preventing postural hypotension involve making a few simple, smart changes to your lifestyle, such as: If you experience postural hypotension often, see your physician. It is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Most mild forms are simply bothersome, but the issue can cause complications like falls as a result of fainting. Many conditions also have postural hypotension as a side effect, including: Hot temperatures, pregnancy, bed rest due to illness, and being over age 65 can also raise your risk of the problem. Some people, particularly older adults, have a drop in blood pressure after they eat.

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For example, dehydration (often the result of vomiting, diarrhea, strenuous exercise, or not drinking enough fluids) is a common culprit. People with the problem typically experience a sudden, extreme drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to:Ī number of factors can cause postural hypotension, many of which are common and benign. Postural hypotension occurs when something interferes with this process. To counteract this phenomenon, cells called baroreceptors send signals to your brain that trigger an increase in your heart rate, in turn raising blood pressure. As a result, there isn’t enough blood circulating back to the heart, and your blood pressure decreases. When you stand up, blood pools in your legs - a natural consequence of gravity. Although most cases are mild, they can sometimes signal more serious problems. Also known as orthostatic hypotension, the condition is a form of low blood pressure. But if these symptoms occur regularly, you could have postural hypotension. It’s not uncommon to experience an occasional “head rush” - brief dizziness or lightheadedness - upon standing up.
