Orthostatic hypotension: symptoms and treatment

What is orthostatic hypotension?
We can understand what orthostatic hypotension is by looking closely at the two words that make up its name. The definition of orthostasis is someone standing in an upright position, while the definition of hypotension is someone with low blood pressure. When you put the two words together you get someone who's standing up and feeling all the negative impacts of low blood pressure. These impacts include a sudden feeling of dizziness, suddenly being lightheaded, and suddenly feeling faint, as if you are too weak to stand anymore and want to fall down. Sometimes spinning vertigo can occur too, but this symptom of orthostatic hypotension is much rarer than the others.
How do I get orthostatic hypotension?
Orthostatic hypotension is usually caused by the heart not pumping out enough blood to sustain the body. The heart is the key instrument in maintaining blood pressure at even levels. When the heart is weak or inconsistent, the blood pressure lowers, causing the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension mentioned above. Other symptoms include sharp unexpected stabs in the chest, unusual trouble in urinating, dry flaky skin, even impotence. Blurred vision and a momentary feeling of passing out are symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
Are there more causes of orthostatic hypotension than those listed above?

Yes. Dehydration, staying in bed too long, being overheated, lifting heavy objects, too many fatty deposits in the arteries, and diabetes can all cause low blood pressure, resulting in orthostatic hypotension. Some blood pressure and heart medications can cause orthostatic hypotension.
What is the treatment for orthostatic hypotension?
First of all, if you feel you are suffering from orthostatic hypotension, you should set up an appointment with your doctor right away in order to work out a plan for healing. There are treatments for orthostatic hypotension, such as changing sleeping patterns, reducing certain kinds of heart and blood pressure medications, fighting dehydration with salt and fluids, and wearing special clothing designed to regulate blood pressure.
Who is most likely to get orthostatic hypotension?
It's true that some are more likely to get orthostatic hypotension than others. Persons suffering from anemia, for example, are more likely to feel faint and dizzy upon standing up. People who are unusually tall stand a greater risk of feeling the symptoms of the orthostatic hypotension. As each case varies, it is best to see a doctor before embarking upon a way of treatment.
What are some practical treatments I can perform if I feel symptoms of orthostatic hypotension?
Again, it is best to see your doctor before trying out treatments. Your doctor can also tell you whether your symptoms have to do with orthostatic hypotension or something else. Meanwhile, here are some practical things to consider.
1. Check your blood pressure as often as you can. You can purchase a little kit for doing this. Check it when lying down, check it when standing up. The point is to check it when feeling the symptoms of orthostatic hypertension, so that you can see exactly where your blood pressure has got to.
2. When you stand, stand slowly. Your heart regulates your blood pressure, and so do your blood vessels. They do this by squeezing together. If you stand too rapidly, you may paralyze your blood vessels, and so suffer the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
3. Get plenty of salts and fluids. Dehydration is a major cause of orthostatic hypotension. Drink water as often as you can, and pure juices.
4. It's a fact that eating lowers blood pressure; therefore, it may be a good idea to eat several small meals during the day rather than three large ones. Eating temperately and often will help to regulate blood pressure.