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Orthostatic Hypotension Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Some people have a sudden drop in blood pressure. This is called orthostatic hypotension. It often happens when you stand up quickly after sitting or kneeling down. It can also happen after you have been in bed for a long time. Some women get this when they are pregnant. Certain drugs or a loss of fluids may make you have problems with your blood pressure. This problem may only last a few seconds or minutes. If it lasts longer, it may be more serious and need to be treated. When you have this problem, you may feel dizzy or even pass out. Some people complain of blurred eyesight, feeling sick, or being confused. Others say they are weak or tired and not able to concentrate. Some people fall or have chest pain. Treating the cause of the health problem will make the orthostatic hypotension go away. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Move slowly when changing positions. Take extra care when going from sitting to standing or lying to sitting. Sudden movements may cause a fainting event. When lying in bed, bring your feet up and down, wiggling your ankles a few times before trying to sit up.
  • Sit on the edge of the bed and take deep breaths before getting out of bed.
  • Move your legs often if you need to sit or stand in one position for a long time.
  • Sit or lie down right away if you feel faint or dizzy. Prop your feet higher than your head when you lie down. This will make the blood flow back to your heart and brain.
  • If you feel faint, do not drive a car or run other machinery.
  • Do not stay in the sun for a long time.
  • Long, hot baths may make your condition worse when you try to get up from the bathtub. So can going in a sauna or hot tub. Each of these can make you feel faint. Bend with your knees when getting something off of the floor.
  • Do not bend over at the waist to reach down low.
  • Use elastic stockings to boost blood pressure in your legs.
  • Learn how to take your own blood pressure. Take your blood pressure numbers and record them for your doctor.
  • Some people get dizzier after they eat a meal. Get up slowly from the table after you eat.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may order other tests. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to help some of the signs like feeling sick or dizzy. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


Some exercises are good for you. Swimming, walking, or riding a bike a few times a week might help your blood pressure stay normal. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids each day. Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). Do not limit your salt intake. Talk to your doctor about how much salt you can have in one day. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Falling
  • Injuries from falls

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Trouble breathing
  • Problems with eyesight
  • Chest pains
  • Injuries from falling
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you the best way for me to change positions.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain or trouble breathing.

Where can I learn more?


American Heart Association ‚  
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/AboutHighBloodPressure/Low-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301785_Article.jsp ‚  
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚  
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/orthostatic_hypotension/orthostatic_hypotension.htm ‚  
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/769/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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