What does postural hypotension refer to?

Postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, specifically refers to a drop in blood pressure that occurs when an individual changes position, such as moving from a sitting or lying position to standing. This condition is significant because it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting due to inadequate blood flow to the brain when the body adjusts to the new position. The body usually compensates for these changes by adjusting heart rate and blood vessel tone, but if this mechanism is impaired, postural hypotension can occur.

In contrast to the other options, increased blood pressure while standing describes the opposite phenomenon, stable blood pressure refers to the absence of fluctuation without the context of position changes, and fluctuating blood pressure does not accurately describe the condition, which is characterized by a specific drop in pressure rather than variations between high and low blood pressure levels over time. Understanding postural hypotension is essential for managing patients, particularly those who are elderly or taking medications that affect blood pressure dynamics.