Also, the heart rate should be measured for both positions. A significant increase in heart rate from supine to standing may indicate a compensatory effort by the heart to maintain cardiac output. A related syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), is diagnosed when at least a 30 bpm increase in heart rate occurs with little or no change in blood pressure. A tilt table test may also be performed. Definition
Orthostatic hypotension (or postural hypotension) is a drop in blood pressure upon standing. One definition (AAFP) calls for a systolic blood pressure decrease of at least 20 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure decrease of at least 10 mm Hg within 3 minutes of standing. A common first symptom is lightheadedness upon standing, possibly followed by more severe symptoms: narrowing or loss of vision, dizziness, weakness, and even syncope (fainting). Subcategories
Orthostatic hypotension can be subcategorized into three groups – initial, classic, and delayed.Initial orthostatic hypotension is frequently characterized by a systolic blood pressure decrease of ≥40 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure decrease of ≥20 mmHg within 15 seconds of standing. Blood pressure then spontaneously and rapidly returns to normal, so the period of hypotension and symptoms is short (<30 s).
Medications
The medication midodrine can benefit people with orthostatic hypotension, The main side effect is piloerection ("goose bumps"). Fludrocortisone is also used, although based on more limited evidence.Droxidopa has been shown to be effective as well, with few, mostly mild side effects reported.A number of other measures have slight evidence to support their use – indomethacin, fluoxetine, dopamine antagonists, metoclopramide, domperidone, monoamine oxidase inhibitors with tyramine (can produce severe hypertension), oxilofrine, potassium chloride, and yohimbine. Other
Robotic devices, such as the ERIGO machine, has been proven to help orthostatic hypotension in some patients. These machines adjust a patients position from 0 degrees to 90 degrees in progressive increments, allowing the blood pressure to adjust more slowly. Prognosis
Orthostatic hypotension may cause accidental falls. It is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and stroke. Also, observational data suggest that orthostatic hypotension in middle age increases the risk of eventual dementia and reduced cognitive function. See also
Orthostatic hypertension
Orthostatic intolerance
Vasovagal response

References
External links

Orthostatic hypotension at Curlie
Postural hypotension : what it is and how to manage it – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention