Understanding Hypotension and Orthostatic Hypotension: Symptoms and Treatment Options

 

Hypotension refers to low blood pressure, which occurs when the blood pressure in your arteries is lower than normal. Orthostatic hypotension, or postural hypotension, is a specific type of low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up from sitting or lying down. Here's an overview of symptoms and treatment options for both conditions:


Symptoms of Hypotension:


Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or dizzy, especially when standing up quickly.

Blurry vision: A temporary loss of vision or trouble focusing.

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.

Nausea: Feeling queasy or experiencing an upset stomach.

Cold, clammy, pale skin: The skin may feel cool and appear pale.

Rapid or shallow breathing: Breathing may become faster or shallower than usual.

Fainting (syncope): In severe cases, hypotension may lead to loss of consciousness.


Symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension:

In addition to the symptoms of general hypotension, orthostatic hypotension is the symptoms that occur specifically when a person shifts position from lying down or sitting to standing. These symptoms include:

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Blurred or narrowed vision

Weakness

Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Nausea

Fainting


Diagnosing orthostatic hypotension:

Your doctor may ask you to take some tests to identify orthostatic hypotension.

Blood pressure monitoring: To do this, blood pressure must be measured both sitting and standing. Orthostatic hypotension is indicated by a 20 mm Hg drop in systolic blood pressure within 2 to 5 minutes of standing. Orthostatic hypotension can also be indicated by a decrease of 10 mm Hg in the diastolic blood pressure between 2 to 5 minutes of standing.

Blood tests: Your physician will ask you to undergo a blood evaluation to identify low blood sugar and low blood cells causing anemia. This may act as a precursor for causing hypotension.

Electrocardiogram:The cardiac muscle's electrical activity is measured by this test. Your doctor may use it to evaluate your heart rhythms, which may cause low blood pressure.

Treatment Options:

Hydration: An adequate fluid intake can help increase blood volume, which can help raise blood pressure.

Salt intake: Increasing salt intake slightly (under medical supervision, especially for those with certain health conditions like hypertension) can help retain fluids and raise blood pressure.

Compression stockings: These garments apply pressure to the legs, which aids in preventing blood accumulation there and improving circulation.

Medication adjustments: If hypotension is a side effect of medication, adjusting the dosage or switching to an alternative medication may be necessary.

Gradual position changes: When moving from lying down or sitting to standing, do so slowly to give your body time to adjust.

Elevate the head of the bed: This helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs while sleeping, reducing the risk of orthostatic hypotension upon waking.

Physical counterpressure maneuvers: Techniques like tensing the muscles in the legs or crossing the legs while standing can help raise blood pressure.

Medications:

In severe cases or if other measures are failing or ineffective, your doctor may prescribe medications to raise blood pressure, such as fludrocortisone, midodrine, or others.

Refra 5mg Tablet consists of the active ingredient Midodrine. This medication is primarily used to treat low blood pressure (hypotension). It belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-1 adrenergic agonists, which constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Refra 5mg Tablet is commonly prescribed for conditions such as orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens after getting out of a seated position or lying position. It helps to improve symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting associated with this condition.

Conclusion:

It's important to note that treatment for hypotension and orthostatic hypotension should be tailored to individual needs and medical history, so it's essential to arrange a visit with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.