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- Orthostatic hypotension is not
considered a disease but a failure -- with many causes -- to regulate blood pressure rapidly.
- It is defined as a too rapid drop in blood pressure precipitated when one stands suddenly, reducing blood flow to the brain, and resulting in fainting.
- Generally, this is correctable by treating the underlying cause.
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- Weakness, dizziness, fainting or near-fainting, vision disturbance while standing ("everything going black")
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- Dehydration
- Medication side effect
- Disease of the autonomic nervous system -- a rare cause
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- A fall of 20 mm. of mercury or more in the systolic or diastolic pressure, when the patient changes from supine (flat on the back) to standing posture
- It is necessary to allow time for equilibration, and not measure the blood pressure instantly as soon as the person stands up.
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- Prolonged bed rest
- Severe exercise
- Spinal cord disease
- Adrenal gland disease
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- Correct the underlying condition(s), such as Dehydration.
- Remove any offending medication known to cause orthostatic hypotension.
- Protect the patient from Injury when he is about
to stand up by having him dangle his feet when first arising
from a supine to a sitting position on the side of the bed); and by transferring him from bed to chair without allowing him to stand in between.
- Correct any anemia that is present.
- Avoid hot weather.
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- Loss of consciousness if blood flow does not reach the brain in adequate amounts
- Injury from a fall
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- Contact a physician and seek treatment for the underlying causes.
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- Any serious illness can give the same symptoms
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