What is orthostatic hypotension?

• A. A sudden rise in blood pressure upon standing
• B. A condition causing no changes in blood pressure
• C. A drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting
• D. An increase in heart rate during rest

Answer: (C)

Orthostatic hypotension refers to a condition where an individual experiences a significant drop in blood pressure when transitioning from a seated or lying position to a standing position. This change in posture can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting due to insufficient blood flow to the brain, as the body may struggle to quickly adapt to the change in posture and maintain adequate blood pressure.

The correct understanding of orthostatic hypotension involves recognizing that it specifically pertains to the drop in blood pressure occurring with the act of standing, which can be particularly pronounced in certain populations, such as the elderly or those with specific medical conditions. In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture this definition: a sudden rise in blood pressure is not characteristic of orthostatic hypotension, nor is the absence of any changes in blood pressure. Additionally, an increased heart rate while at rest does not relate to this condition, as the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension arise from blood pressure changes, not from heart rate variations in a resting state.