Posturic Orthostatic Hypotension

[Marcus__0]

  Hi! My girlfriend posts here a lot and really values your opinion so I wanted to ask you a question of my own,.
  I'm 22 years old. I had an echocardiogram 4 years ago which was normal, a 24 hour holtor monitor a few months ago, and have been checked by 2 different cardio doctors.
  I have had this strange symptom though on and off for four years. When I change positions I get a pounding sensation from my chest to my head. Sometimes it happens when I'm anxious also.
  The doctor told me that it could be because my blood pressure goes very low when I stand up and my heart compensates by beating harder. Does this sound true? Does it sound like angina? The pressure last for only a couple of seconds.
  Also, does angina show up on holtor monitors, and since I had an echocardiogram while I was having these symptoms, does that rule out any major problems. Also, can pressure like that indicate being out of shape? Sorry for all the questions but I'm about to leave for college and was just needing some reassurance
  marcus

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear  Marcus,  
What your doctor was referring to is a normal physiologic response to standing up.  If our bodies did not respond with an increased heart rate upon standing we would all pass out when we stood up!  The reason for this is that when we are sitting or lying our blood pools in the lower extremities.  Upon standing the body must compensate for this by increasing the blood pressure and heart rate.  This only lasts for a few seconds until the body can equilibrate.  If this bothers you try getting up a little slower.    Have a good time in college.  Study hard!
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.