Postural hypotension is one of the leading medical conditions that causes older adults and the elderly to fall. Quite simply, postural hypotension is when your blood pressure drops when you go from lying down to sitting up or from sitting to standing. When your blood pressure drops, less blood can go to the vital organs and muscle groups. This medical condition can cause older adults, seniors and the elderly to experience a fall or recurring falls.
Symptoms
Many people with postural hypotension experience no symptoms, while others do. Symptoms associated with hypotension can differ from person to person and might include:
- Dizziness; lightheadedeness
- Feelings of fainting, passing out or falling
- Headaches
- Blurry or tunnel vision
- Feeling vague or muddled
- Feelings of pressure across the back of the shoulders or neck
- Feeling nauseous or hot/clammy
- Overall weakness or fatigue
Occurrence of Symptoms
- Standing or sitting up suddenly
- In the morning when blood pressure is normally lower
- After a large meal or consumption of alcohol
- During exercise
- straining on the toilet
- When ill
- When anxious or panicky
Causes or Linked to
- high blood pressure
- Diabetes, heart failure, hardening of the arteries
- ingesting diuretics, anti-depressants, or medicines to lower blood pressure
- Parkinson’s disease
- Some types of dementia
- Dehydration
- Vitamin B12 deficiency or anemia
- Alcoholism
- Prolonged bed rest
Management
- Report any symptoms to a physician or healthcare provider
- Ask physician if any specific medications should be modified or stopped
- Get out of bed slowly: a) sit up; b) sit on side of bed; c) stand up
- Change positions slowly (i.e. sitting in chair)
- Sit down when bathing, dressing or working in a room or kitchen
- Exercise gently before getting up or after standing
- Hold on to a support device when you stand up from being seated
- Do not walk if you experience dizziness
- Avoid taking very hot showers or baths
- Sleep with additional pillows to elevate your head
- Consume 6 to 8 glasses of water or low-calorie beverage each day (consult physician)
As everyone is medically different, please consult with your primary physician or local health care provider to discuss your specific concerns regarding possible symptoms and/or treatment for postural hypotension. Those individuals at risk should strongly consider investing in a First Response personal medical alert system and 24/7 emergency monitoring service in the event of a medical emergency or fall accident caused by postural hypotension.
“I am very uneasy and have had many falls after my surgery. Ordering the First Response system was easy and I even set it up myself. I have had to use my alert button a few times so far. My daughter has even been contacted after I had taken a few falls. My First Response system has worked great each time I’ve needed it!”