Hypotension refers to low blood pressure. Postural hypotension (also called orthostatic hypotension) is a condition that occurs when the blood pressure drops significantly after a person stands up from a lying or sitting position.
Blood Pressure Readings
Pre-hypertension-top number(systolic) between 120 and 139 mm Hg OR bottom number (diastolic) between 80 and 89 mm Hg
Hypertension-high blood pressure, systolic 140 mm Hg or above OR diastolic 90 mm Hg or above
Hypotension-low blood pressure, systolic blood pressure is below 90 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure below 60 mm Hg
Normally, when a young person stands up from a sitting or lying position, the blood vessels constrict, and other physiologic changes occur, to prevent loss of blood flow to the upper body (particularly to the brain). As we age, these mechanisms that automatically adjust our blood pressure don’t work quite as well, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. When the pressure suddenly decreases and blood supply to the brain is inadequate, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, vision changes and sometimes fainting and/or catastrophic falls can occur.
Studies indicated that nearly 20% of seniors over 65 have changes in blood pressure considered “postural or orthostatic hypotension.” Most blood pressure medication can increase the incidence of having postural hypotension. Blood pressure medications given for high blood pressure (hypertension) can commonly cause a side effect of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension side effects of antihypertensive medications can be easily corrected when the physician slightly lowers the dose of the medication.
In the long run, having high blood pressure has the potential to cause much more dangerous risks than low blood pressure (hypotension) does. Risks of untreated high blood pressure includes stokes and even death. Most physicians aim to treat hypertension with medications that will lower the blood pressure below 150/80 even in elderly folks-studies indicate this reduces the risk of stroke and death.
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