POSTURAL HYPOTENSION Meaning and
Definition
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Postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is a medical condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure upon transitioning from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. This decline in blood pressure, of at least 20 mm Hg in systolic pressure or 10 mm Hg in diastolic pressure, occurs within three minutes of the change in posture.
When a person stands up, blood vessels in the lower extremities constrict to help maintain blood flow against gravity, while the heart rate increases to compensate by pumping more blood. However, in individuals with postural hypotension, this compensatory mechanism fails to regulate blood pressure efficiently, leading to an inadequate blood supply to the brain. Hence, affected individuals may experience symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Postural hypotension can be caused by various factors, including dehydration, prolonged bed rest, nutritional deficiencies, underlying medical conditions (such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, or certain heart conditions), and medication side effects. It is more commonly observed in older individuals due to age-related changes in blood vessel elasticity and overall cardiovascular health.
To manage postural hypotension, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, if identifiable. General measures may include increasing fluid intake, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, gradually changing positions instead of sudden movements, and avoiding triggers like hot environments or prolonged standing. In cases where an underlying condition or medication is the cause, adjustments may be made to the treatment plan or medication regimen.
It is important to address postural hypotension to prevent falls and related injuries, and individuals experiencing recurrent or severe symptoms should seek medical attention for diagnosis and appropriate management.
Common Misspellings for POSTURAL HYPOTENSION
- oostural hypotension
- lostural hypotension
- -ostural hypotension
- 0ostural hypotension
- pistural hypotension
- pkstural hypotension
- plstural hypotension
- ppstural hypotension
- p0stural hypotension
- p9stural hypotension
- poatural hypotension
- poztural hypotension
- poxtural hypotension
- podtural hypotension
- poetural hypotension
- powtural hypotension
- posrural hypotension
- posfural hypotension
- posgural hypotension
Etymology of POSTURAL HYPOTENSION
The word "postural hypotension" has its etymology as follows:
1. "Postural" originates from the Latin word "postūra", which means "a position of the body". It relates to the posture or position of an individual's body.
2. "Hypotension" combines the Greek prefix "hypo-" meaning "below" or "under" with the Latin word "tensio" meaning "pressure". Therefore, "hypotension" refers to low blood pressure.
Combining these two components, "postural hypotension" describes a condition where blood pressure drops when a person shifts from a lying or sitting position to an upright posture.
