Patient/caregiver was educated upon signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension as follows:
- Blood pressure is the force driving the blood flow to vital organs, such as, heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain, helping these organs receive nutrients and oxygen through the blood.
- Blood pressure numbers in normal range are needed to maintain this force, for the vital organs to receive the needed blood supply.
- For organs located below the heart level, apart from the blood pressure, gravity acting in downward direction also helps receive the required blood supply. So, these organs are minimally affected, even if the blood pressure numbers are a little on the lower side.
- To reach organs located distantly and above the heart level, for example brain, the blood must travel in the upward direction, against gravity. So, for organs located above heart level, it is mainly the normal blood pressure numbers that act as the driving force for required blood supply.
- These signs and symptoms manifest with sudden change in position, when an individual stands up, after prolonged sitting or lying down and could last for a few minutes.
- The most common signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension result from increased pooling of blood volume in the lower parts of the body with reduced blood and oxygen supply to the upper body parts, such as, head & neck, and brain.
- As the blood pressure is low, your body could try to compensate by increasing the heart rate. So, individuals can present with tachycardia.
- Poor oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain result in orthostatic hypotension symptoms as follows:
- Altered level of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Reduced concentration
- Frequent blackouts
- Blurred vision
- Increased risk for falls and accidents.
