Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a condition in which a person's blood pressure drops when they stand up from a sitting or lying position. This is caused by a problem with the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating.

In people with autonomic dysfunction, the autonomic nervous system does not work properly. This can cause a number of problems, including OH. With OH, the blood vessels in the legs do not constrict properly when a person stands up. This causes blood to pool in the legs, which lowers the blood pressure in the rest of the body.

The symptoms of OH can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Blurred vision
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Syncope (fainting)
OH can be a serious condition, especially if it causes fainting. Fainting can lead to falls.

If you experience symptoms of OH, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. Treatment for OH may include:

Lifestyle changes, such as increasing salt intake and drinking plenty of fluids
Medications, such as fludrocortisone and midodrine
Physical therapy
In some cases, OH may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy. If you have OH, it is important to see a doctor regularly to monitor your condition and make sure that you are receiving the best possible care.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

The American Autonomic Society: https://www.americanautonomicsociety.org/
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/di...

My hubby’s BP and heart rate can drop very low at times. Doctors say do nothing unless he has symptoms, which he doesn’t. I give him saltine crackers and try to get him to drink lots of water. It still worries me when heart rate is in low 40’s.

We are very familiar with OH. Starting around 2014, my husband with PD (diagnosed in 2018) would regular faint or start to faint whenever he stood up. He is now on 500 mg of Droxydopa, 10 mg of Midodrine, and two salt capsules three times a day, and also Florinef once a day. It helps but is still there to some extent.