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Contents
  • Medical Conditions and Medications
  • Lifestyle Factors
  • Age and Gender

Are You at Risk for Orthostatic Hypotension?

Are You at Risk for Orthostatic Hypotension?

Assess Your Risk

Orthostatic hypotension can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your risk. Find out if you're at risk and what you can do about it.
Contents
  • Medical Conditions and Medications
  • Lifestyle Factors
  • Age and Gender

Medical Conditions and Medications

Certain medical conditions like diabetes or Parkinson's disease can increase your risk of orthostatic hypotension. Medications such as blood pressure drugs and antidepressants might also contribute. Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive measures.

Lifestyle Factors

Poor hydration, a low-salt diet, and lack of physical activity can exacerbate symptoms. These lifestyle factors can be modified to reduce your risk. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet with sufficient salt intake are simple yet effective strategies.
Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. It can result in dizziness or fainting.

Age and Gender

Older adults are more prone to orthostatic hypotension due to changes in blood pressure regulation. Women may also have a slightly higher risk compared to men. Awareness of these factors can help in early detection and management.

FAQs

What medical conditions increase risk?

Conditions like diabetes and Parkinson's can increase the risk.

How do lifestyle choices affect risk?

Poor hydration and low salt intake can worsen symptoms.

Not everyone is aware: Does age matter?

Yes, older adults are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension.

The Bottom Line

Knowing your risk factors can help you take steps to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
Consult with Doctronic to assess your risk and plan preventive measures.
Additional References
  1. Juraschek SP, Cortez MM, Flack JM, et al. Orthostatic Hypotension in Adults With Hypertension: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Hypertension 2024; 81:e16.
  2. Fanciulli A, Jordan J, Biaggioni I, et al. Consensus statement on the definition of neurogenic supine hypertension in cardiovascular autonomic failure by the American Autonomic Society (AAS) and the European Federation of Autonomic Societies (EFAS) : Endorsed by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH). Clin Auton Res 2018; 28:355.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.