Orthostatic hypotension:A temporary lowering ofblood pressure, usually related to suddenly standing up.Healthypeople may experience orthostatic hypotension if they rise quickly from a seated position, especially after a meal. Orthostatichypotensionoccurs most commonlyinolder people. The change in position causes a temporary reduction inbloodflow and therefore a shortage ofoxygento thebrain. This leads to lightheadedness, dizziness, and, sometimes, a temporary loss of consciousness. Tilt-tabletesting can be used to confirm adiagnosisof orthostatichypotension. Tilt-table testing involves placing thepatienton a table with afootsupport. The table is tilted upward, and blood pressure andpulseare measured while symptoms are recorded in various positions. Also known aspostural hypotension.
