Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic (postural) hypotension is a short term decrease of blood pressure caused by the change of position of lying down to standing up (orthostasis). It is caused by the accumulation of blood in the venous bed of the lower limbs, which leads to a decrease in blood return. This decreases cardiac output (Frank-Starling mechanism) and therefore blood pressure.

The organism's physiological response is the orthostatic reaction, which prevents insufficient blood supply to the brain by reflexively increasing the pressure. If there is insufficient compensation, dizziness, visual disturbances or fainting may occur.

Orthostatic hypotension occurs in patients with diabetes, syphilis, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular autoimmune neuropathy or patients treated with symptatholytics. Orthostatic hypotention may be one of the consequences of primary autoimmune insufficiency.

Related articles

 * Hypotension
 * Baroreflex
 * Blood pressure regulation
 * Cardiovascular autoimmune neuropathy

Reference
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