Is Orthostatic Hypertension Life Threatening?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In people with orthostatic hypotension, hypoperfusion to other organs contributes to an

increased risk of life-threatening health problems

, including heart attack or heart failure, a heart rhythm abnormality called atrial fibrillation , stroke, or chronic kidney failure.

Is orthostatic hypertension dangerous?

Orthostatic hypotension can be a

risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and complications

, such as chest pain, heart failure or heart rhythm problems.

What happens during orthostatic hypertension?

Defining orthostatic hypertension by elevated diastolic blood pressure is less reliable as diastolic blood pressure usually increases by 5 to 10 mm Hg on standing due to

peripheral vasoconstriction and reduction in cardiac stroke volume

.

Is orthostatic hypertension curable?

This

condition has no cure

, symptoms vary in different circumstances, treatment is nonspecific, and aggressive treatment can lead to marked supine hypertension. This review focuses on the prevention and treatment of neurogenic causes of orthostatic hypotension.

Can you die from orthostatic hypertension?

The condition is called orthostatic hypotension, and between

29 percent and 64 percent of

people suffering from this blood pressure decline died during the 10-year study, depending on how quickly they became dizzy. By comparison, only 9 percent of healthy people in the study’s “control” group died.

Can stress cause orthostatic hypotension?

This suggests that

emotional stress can induce hypotension

, probably through hyperventilation, in subjects with autonomic failure. An important feature of autonomic failure is orthostatic hypotension, giving rise to sensations of light headedness or frank syncope following standing up or during prolonged standing.

Is orthostatic hypotension a disability?

Orthostatic hypotension

can cause significant disability

, with patients experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness or syncope, and other problems that potentially have a profound negative impact on activities of daily living that require standing or walking.

How do you fix orthostatic hypertension?

  1. Increase salt in your diet. This must be done carefully and only after discussing it with your doctor. …
  2. Eat small meals. …
  3. Ask about vitamin supplements. …
  4. Get plenty of fluids. …
  5. Avoid alcohol. …
  6. Exercise. …
  7. Avoid bending at the waist. …
  8. Wear waist-high compression stockings.

Why is my bp higher when standing?

When a person stands or sits up a neurocardiogenic response is triggered.

The heart beats stronger and faster

, and the arteries and veins constrict. This makes both the systolic and diastolic pressures rise so that the brain and heart arteries can continue to receive necessary blood and nutrients as well as oxygen.

Does lying flat lower blood pressure?

According to older research, blood pressure may be higher while lying down. But more recent studies have found that

blood pressure may be lower while lying down versus sitting

. Currently, the American Heart Association recommends that blood pressure readings be taken when you’re sitting down.

How do you check for orthostatic hypertension?

1 Have the patient lie down for 5 minutes. 2

Measure blood pressure and pulse rate

. 3 Have the patient stand. 4 Repeat blood pressure and pulse rate measurements after standing 1 and 3 minutes.

What can orthostatic hypotension lead to?

People with orthostatic hypotension may have a higher risk of:

Bone fractures or concussions

due to falls when you feel dizzy or faint. Postprandial hypotension, low blood pressure 30 minutes to two hours after eating (particularly a high-carbohydrate meal). Shock or organ failure if blood pressure stays too low.

How can I lower my morning blood pressure?

  1. Eat a nutritious diet.
  2. Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
  3. Engage in regular physical activity.
  4. Take blood pressure (BP) medications as prescribed.
  5. Keep a log of BP readings.

Why does orthostatic hypertension occur?

Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure. It happens

when the blood vessels do not constrict (tighten) as you stand up

. It is usually a symptom of an underlying disorder rather than a disease in itself. The condition is also known as postural hypotension.

What is the lowest blood pressure that is safe?

Most doctors consider blood pressure too low only if it causes symptoms. Some experts define low blood pressure as readings lower

than 90 mm Hg systolic or 60 mm Hg diastolic

. If either number is below that, your pressure is lower than normal. A sudden fall in blood pressure can be dangerous.

What should we eat when BP is low?

Low carbohydrate foods. Drinking lots of water. Foods high in vitamin B12 such as

eggs

, meat, milk products, fortified breakfast cereals, and some nutritional yeast products. Foods high in folate such as dark leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, eggs, dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, and grains.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.