What is it called when a person has a drop in blood pressure when he/she stands up quickly

What is it called when a person has a drop in blood pressure when he/she stands up quickly

• A. Drop in blood pressure when standing
• B. Increase in blood pressure when standing
• C. Orthostatic hypotension
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (C)

Orthostatic hypotension is the drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up quickly. When you stand, gravity pools blood in the leg veins, reducing venous return to the heart. The body usually compensates by raising heart rate and constricting blood vessels to keep blood pressure stable. If these reflexes are insufficient, blood pressure falls, causing dizziness or fainting. Clinically, a drop of about 20 mmHg or more in systolic pressure or 10 mmHg or more in diastolic pressure within roughly three minutes of standing defines it. This fits the scenario described, whereas a general low blood pressure not tied to standing, a rise in pressure when standing, or dehydration doesn’t capture the specific standing-induced drop.

Orthostatic hypotension is the drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up quickly. When you stand, gravity pools blood in the leg veins, reducing venous return to the heart. The body usually compensates by raising heart rate and constricting blood vessels to keep blood pressure stable. If these reflexes are insufficient, blood pressure falls, causing dizziness or fainting. Clinically, a drop of about 20 mmHg or more in systolic pressure or 10 mmHg or more in diastolic pressure within roughly three minutes of standing defines it. This fits the scenario described, whereas a general low blood pressure not tied to standing, a rise in pressure when standing, or dehydration doesn’t capture the specific standing-induced drop.