Postural Hypotension

Postural Hypotension

Hypotension is the medical term given for low blood pressure, which

basically means that there isn't enough blood flow to the heart, brain

and vital organs. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury

(mm HG). For a healthy young person around our age, the normal blood

pressure is supposed to be less than 140mm Hg over 90mm Hg. The first

number (in this case 140), represents systolic blood pressure, which

is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts and the

second number (in this case 90), is the pressure between the hearts

contractions. In most healthy people, blood pressure remains

constantly at above 90/60, but blood pressure varies from person to

person and what is considered low for one person may be completely

normal for another.

Chronic low blood pressure is almost never serious, but health

problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly and the brain

isn't allowed to have a great enough blood supply, which can lead to

dizziness or lightheadedness. It most commonly occurs in someone who's

rising from a prone or sitting position to a standing position, in

these cases, it is known as Postural Hypotension. Postural Hypotension

is defined as a 20mm Hg-reduction in systolic blood pressure or a 10mm

Hg-reduction in diastolic blood pressure within three minutes of

standing.

Postural hypotension is considered as a failure of the autonomic

nervous system which is a part of the nervous system that controls

involuntary actions, like your heartbeat to react appropriately to

sudden changes. When you stand up, some of the blood gathers in your

lower areas, if this wasn't fix...

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...ncrease your blood pressure by making

these simple changes:

* Eat a diet with higher salt content.

* Drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids, a minimum of eight glasses per

day (preferably water or sports drinks that are high in sodium and

potassium.

* Consume extra salt and drink more fluids during hot weather and

while sick with illnesses, such as a cold or the flu.

* Get regular exercise to promote blood flow throughout the whole

body.

* Avoid heavy lifting.

* Avoid taking the drugs for postural hypotensive treatment before

you eat.

Bibliography

www.google.com

http://calder.med.miami.edu/pointis/pos.html

http://www.ecureme.com/emyhealth/data/Hypotension.asp

www.lebanonhealth.com/condi/46337.htm

http://www.chclibrary.org/micromed/00052380.html