Hypotension

General or Other | Cardiology | Hypotension (Symptom)


Description

Hypotension refers to the temporary decrease in blood pressure. People who suffer from hypotension can not experience strong emotions due to increased cardiac activity they entail, as the pressure remains very low and the heart beats too fast, causing an abnormal distribution of blood, causing the pressure drops even more.

Causes

Healthy people may experience orthostatic hypotension when rising quickly from a sitting position, especially after a meal. Orthostatic hypotension is more common in older people. The change in position causes a temporary reduction in blood flow and thus a shortage of oxygen to the brain. This leads to light-headedness, dizziness, and sometimes, a temporary loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The tilt test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension. This is to place the patient on a stretcher with a foot support. The table is tilted upward and blood pressure and pulse are measured when the symptoms occur in various positions. It is also known as postural hypotension.

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