Elder Care in Elmhurst IL
Postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, frequently affects seniors. However, they might not realize that what is happening has a name or that it can be dangerous. Essentially, there is an abrupt drop in blood pressure when getting up from a seated or reclined posture. This drop can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and even fainting, which puts them at an increased risk for falls and injury. To ensure safety, it’s important for seniors, loved ones, and elder care to understand this condition and what may cause it.
What Is Postural Hypotension?
When the body’s circulatory system is unable to react appropriately to a positional change, such getting up, postural hypotension happens. Normal standing causes blood vessels to narrow and the heart rate to rise in order to sustain blood pressure and cerebral blood flow. However, with postural hypotension, these things don’t happen, which causes a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Reasons for Seniors’ Postural Hypotension
There are several causes of postural hypotension in seniors, including:
- Dehydration: Drinking too little water can cause the blood pressure to drop, which makes it more difficult for the body to keep the blood pressure stable when standing.
- Medication: Medications like diuretics, antihypertensives, and antidepressants may have an impact on blood pressure management.
- Heart Conditions: Issues with the heart’s valves, arrhythmias, and responsiveness to postural changes can all be problematic.
- Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s disease and autonomic neuropathy are two examples of neurological disorders that can impair the nervous system’s ability to control blood pressure.
Diagnosing Postural Hypotension
Realizing there might be a problem might be difficult, especially if seniors shrug the lightheaded feeling off and go about their day. However, with elder care monitoring them in the home, these instances can be caught, leading to more discussion. Additionally, loved ones can talk with seniors about this condition so they’re aware that they might not simply be lightheaded.
For a diagnosis to occur, standing, sitting, and lying down blood pressure readings are all necessary. Within three minutes of standing, there is typically a noticeable drop in blood pressure that confirms the diagnosis. Determining the underlying causes will require more testing, which may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram, and blood tests.
Managing Postural Hypotension
The good news is that seniors’ postural hypotension can be managed with a mix of lifestyle and medication modifications, and occasionally medical interventions. First things first, elder care can work with them to ensure they’re hydrated throughout the day. Also, if the doctor advises dietary changes, home health can help create the appropriate meal plans. Seniors might also be instructed to wear compression stockings, which can increase blood flow and ease symptoms.
Seniors might suffer from postural hypotension and not even realize it. Still, it is a condition that needs to be understood and carefully managed to ensure they’re safety. With the abovementioned things in mind, elder care and loved ones can work with them to ensure they’re taking the necessary steps to stay healthy and safe.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/symptoms-causes/syc-20352548
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9385-low-blood-pressure-orthostatic-hypotension
https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/oct/why-do-i-get-dizzy-lightheaded-when-standing-up/
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Elder Care in Elmhurst, IL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care – Lombard Today At (630) 313-6160.
Assisting Hands Home Care – Lombard Provides Exceptional Home Care For Seniors In Elmhurst, IL And The Surrounding Areas.
