Orthostatic blood pressure is very common, but not many people know what this term means. For those who prefer not to ask their doctors about it, you should be aware that the word "Orthostasis" is defined as "to be in an upright position". It is usually associated with the term hypotension, which is also called low blood pressure. Simply put, orthostatic blood pressure is a term that describes low blood pressure readings in a patient that is in an upright posture or standing up. Since many people who experience low blood pressure report that it occurred upon standing, doctors gave this particular problem a name - and that is "orthostatic blood pressure".

Symptoms of orthostatic blood pressure vary from one person to the next. Some of the common symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, chest pain, dry skin, difficulties in holding urine and even impotence. The cause of orthostatic blood pressure can depend on a person's health history. Orthostatic blood pressure can be caused by different conditions such as overheating, hyperventilation, dehydration, diabetes, anemia, kidney failure, food-borne illnesses, pregnancy, arrhythmia, de-conditioning, vestibular disorders, lifting heavy objects and even some medications.

If you stood up and experience any of the symptoms listed, you should visit your doctor and consult him about your condition. Your doctor could determine if you're suffering from orthostatic blood pressure or not. If your doctor confirms that you are, he would then look for a cause and would base the treatment options from the main cause of your blood pressure changes.

Treating orthostatic blood pressure may require medications, but in some cases, the doctor would only recommend you to follow several lifestyle changes to ensure you keep your blood pressure in check. As such, whenever you experience an extreme drop in blood pressure, make sure to drink your meds or visit your doctor immediately.