The medical term for low blood pressure. In its most common form, known as postural hypotension, symptoms occur after abruptly standing or sitting up. Normally, blood pressure increases slightly with changes in posture; in people with postural hypotension, this normal increase fails to occur. Postural hypotension may be a side effect of antidepressant drugs or antihypertensive drugs. It may also occur in people with diabetes mellitus. Acute hypotension is a feature of shock, and may be caused by serious injury or a disease such as myocardial infarction or adrenal failure. Treatment depends on the cause. In the absence of serious disease, low blood pressure is associated with decreased risk from cardiovascular disorders and stroke. Symptomless hypotension does not require treatment.
Hypotension |
|
|