Orthostatic hypertension

Orthostatic hypertension is a medical condition consisting of a sudden and abrupt increase in blood pressure (BP) when a person stands up.

Baroreflex and autonomic pathways normally ensure that blood pressure is maintained despite various stimuli, including postural change.

[11] These findings suggest that the causes of orthostatic hypertension may be multifactorial and more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

Some specialists in severe cases give saline intravenously for hypovolemia, which, if it is the cause, brings the orthostatic hypertension down to a safe level.

Pressure garments over the pelvis and the lower extremities may be used as part of treatment, due to the blood pooling issue occurring in many with the disorder.

[24] Study which defined orthostatic hypertension as a sustained increase in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing, have reported a prevalence rate of orthostatic hypertension ranging from 5% to 30%.