Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Do you know the feeling of struggling to get going in the morning and not feeling refreshed despite a good night's sleep? During the day, you feel sluggish, sometimes you feel dizzy after standing for a long time, and you tend to have cold hands and feet. All these complaints can indicate low blood pressure. A blood pressure measurement provides clarity: If it shows a value below 100/60 mmHg for women or below 110/70 mmHg for men, then low blood pressure is present. Low blood pressure, also known by the Latin term hypotension, is usually not a dangerous sign. In Germany, about five percent of the population is said to suffer from low blood pressure. Since hypotension is only considered a standalone disease in Germany, it is sometimes lightly mockingly referred to as "german disease" abroad. However, this should not distract from the fact that low blood pressure can be a sign of another illness.
In medicine, different forms of low blood pressure are classified - initially based on the duration of occurrence into chronic and acute hypotension. Secondly, a distinction is also made between primary and secondary hypotension. The primary form does not reveal a clear cause. Usually, young, slim people, and increasingly women are affected, so physical constitution may be a possible cause. A hereditary predisposition also plays a role, but infections can temporarily lead to low blood pressure. Medications, severe dehydration, or salt deficiency can also be responsible. In contrast, the cause of secondary hypotension is always an underlying condition, for example, a cardiovascular disease or an underactive thyroid.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension refers to a drop in blood pressure when changing position to an upright, standing position. Due to gravity, blood accumulates in the legs and body trunk for a very short time when standing up, reducing the return of blood to the heart via the veins, and blood pressure drops. This process is normal and is usually regulated very quickly by the body, so it is not noticed at all. However, if orthostatic hypotension is present, blood pressure drops rapidly. It is defined as a drop in blood pressure of systolic more than 20 mmHg, diastolic more than 10 mmHg, or both together. The affected person appears pale, experiences dizziness or lightheadedness, and may also see blurred vision. Syncope, or a brief fainting spell, is possible, which can also lead to falls. Lying down and possibly elevating the legs quickly improves the symptoms.
Orthostatic hypotension occurs in both acute and chronic forms, especially in older people who have not consumed enough fluids or have been on bed rest for a long time. Medications can also be the cause, as well as changes in blood pressure regulation due to aging or diseases such as a disorder of the autonomic nervous system known as autonomic dysfunction. However, a possibly too hearty meal can also be a cause, as after this, increased blood flow to the digestive tract occurs, and blood can "be missing" elsewhere. It is, of course, not completely gone but is rather bound to another task.
Orthostatic Hypertension in High Blood Pressure
Orthostatic hypotension occurs in both acute and chronic forms, especially in older people who have not consumed enough fluids or have been on bed rest for a long time. Medications can also be the cause, as well as changes in blood pressure regulation due to aging or diseases such as a disorder of the autonomic nervous system known as autonomic dysfunction. However, a possibly too hearty meal can also be a cause, as after this, increased blood flow to the digestive tract occurs, and blood can "be missing" elsewhere. It is, of course, not completely gone but is rather bound to another task.
Orthostatic Hypertension in High Blood Pressure
It is very interesting that orthostatic hypotension, as well as hypotension when standing, can also occur in people with high blood pressure. Until now, this often led to the discontinuation of blood pressure medications, even if the affected person did not experience any symptoms. However, a new analysis of several studies shows that these patients also benefit from high blood pressure therapy, even from intensified high blood pressure therapy, as their risk of developing a cardiovascular disease or even dying from high blood pressure is reduced.
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