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Neurology  (Expert Forum)
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Orthostatic Hypotension
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Orthostatic Hypotension

by Darlene-W, Jan 26, 1999 12:00AM

  I've just found out that a problem I had a few years back actually has a name (orthostatic hypotension). I used to have problems with going blind momentarily after standing up or sometimes fainting.
  When I saw my doctor back then, he did some blood tests and told me that my blood pressure was just a little low (about 106/6x?) and that it was nothing to worry about. Over time the condition seems to have gotten a lot better (I haven't passed out since that time period, and rarily have some darkening of vision when standing up), and my blood pressure has gone up considerably as well.
  Basically, I was wondering if this condition is ever "normal" (which my doctor eluded to at the time), and if I'm not really having symptoms anymore whether it means that I shouldn't worry about it now. If this can be a normal thing, are there any warning signs that would indicate that it is due to an underlying condition that should be more thoroughly evaluated?
  Thanks for any information you can provide. I appreciate your time.
  
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Orthostatic hypotension not infrequently due to serious underlying problems,
If this is the case, the typical progression of the problem is that it
gets progressively worse, not gradually clearing up as it has in your case.
In some cases it can be a variant of normal, where the blood pressure is at
the borderline necessary to maintain perfusion to the brain when you have
just stood up.
Given that your symptoms have been relatively mild and have not progressed i would sudpect that this is the case.
A couple of simple testa like blood tests to check the soduium content of
the blood and cortisol levels would be helpful if the problem progreses
but if the symptoms are so minor investigation is probably not warranted.





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