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You might think of orthostatic hypertension (OHT) as a mere rise in blood pressure. However, it is a unique case when it comes to elevated blood pressure. This hypertension occurs when a person stands up from a seated or lying position and experiences a variation in pressure.
Unlike the more well-known orthostatic hypotension (where blood pressure drops upon standing), OTH involves a significant increase in blood pressure when standing. Despite its serious impact on health, it remains underdiagnosed. Therefore, let’s understand the maestros of orthostatic hypertension in young adults in this guide.
What Is Orthostatic Hypertension?
Orthostatic hypertension occurs when your systolic blood pressure increases to a pressure of around 20mmHg or more upon standing. Although it seems pitty, this spike may lead to serious health issues like an increased risk of heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke. OTH is different from orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops when a person stands.
OTH is still underdiagnosed, in part because patients and doctors are not as aware of it. To ensure that people receive care promptly, there is a need for more public awareness.
Orthostatic Hypertension Symptoms
As we have mentioned in the title of the blog ” an undiagnosed condition”, OHT doesn’t normally cause any symptoms. It makes its diagnosis difficult. If the symptoms might occur, they might include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some patients feel unsteady when they stand up.
- Headaches: These can vary in intensity and may worsen throughout the day.
- Heart palpitations: Some patients experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Fatigue: Persistent fatigue can interfere with daily activities and reduce quality of life.
- Nausea: Some patients report feelings of nausea or general discomfort.
Upon rare conditions, fainting might also occur.
On the other hand, the reverse of OHT is orthostatic hypotension. When someone gets up rapidly, their blood pressure drops. This condition manifests as impaired vision, weakness, and leg buckling.
What Causes Orthostatic Hypertension
OTH can be caused by multiple factors. The causes may be of two types:
- Primary- Directly linked to blood pressure regulation.
- Secondary-Linked to other health conditions.
Here are some common causes and risk factors:
Nervous system dysfunction
Autonomic dysfunction, where the nervous system fails to regulate blood pressure correctly, is a common cause.
This can occur with aging or in certain neurological disorders.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Physical inactivity and prolonged sitting can weaken cardiovascular health, making individuals more susceptible to OTH. This risk factor especially affects orthostatic hypertension in young adults, as sedentary habits are prevalent in younger generations.
High-salt Diet
Consuming too much salt can cause fluid retention and elevated blood pressure, which might exacerbate blood pressure rise when standing.
Certain Medications
Some medications, like decongestants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and stimulants, can increase blood pressure and contribute to OTH.
Other Health Conditions
Diabetes, heart disease, and kidney issues are all known contributors. They disrupt normal blood pressure regulation, especially when changing positions.
Orthostatic Hypertension Diagnosis and Challenges
As we have mentioned lightheadedness is a symptom of OHT, however, it is a common symptom and may not be linked to this condition. If the condition continues or gets worse, you may need to consult a physician. When you visit a physician, it doesn’t need to get diagnosed at the first shot. The diagnosis process may require in-home testing or tests conducted in the clinic.
Despite its significant health impacts, OTH remains underdiagnosed. Several factors contribute to this problem:
Lack of awareness
Most people and even some healthcare providers, are unfamiliar with OHT. Patients often don’t know to report symptoms like dizziness when they stand up.
Standard measurement limitations
Blood pressure is typically measured while sitting or lying down. Therefore, it might not reveal the spikes linked with OHT which requires standing or seating testing.
Symptoms overlap with other conditions
Orthostatic hypertension might be misdiagnosed because its symptoms, such as weariness and dizziness, can mimic those of other illnesses.
This lack of knowledge also affects young adults, who are generally less likely to have high blood pressure, but orthostatic hypertension in this age group is on the rise, probably as a result of stress, sedentary lifestyles, and high-salt diets. Without adequate knowledge, young adults may overlook these symptoms and fail to receive an early diagnosis.
What Are The Orthostatic Hypertension Treatment Options?
Treating orthostatic hypertension often requires a multifaceted approach. Lifestyle changes can be very effective and are mostly the first recommendation that physicians give to patients. Here are some primary treatment options:
- Lifestyle adjustments: Patients should focus on regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and reducing salt intake. These habits can have a significant impact on blood pressure regulation.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be necessary. These may include antihypertensive drugs or medications that improve blood pressure control. However, medications are typically a last resort after lifestyle interventions.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated can help stabilize blood pressure, especially during position changes.
- Monitoring: Regular blood pressure checks can help patients and clinicians track progress and adjust treatment as needed.
- Compression garments: Some patients find relief from compression garments, which help maintain blood flow and stabilize blood pressure.
The physician should personalize the treatment plan according to the patient’s needs. They should take into account factors like age, underlying conditions, and lifestyle. Managing OTH may require a shift in lifestyle changes over medications.
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Managing Orthostatic Hypertension in Daily Life
Living with OHT requires self-awareness and daily management strategies. Patients should avoid sudden blood pressure spikes and reduce symptom severity. Here are some tips:
- Rise slowly: When transitioning from lying down or sitting, stand up slowly to give the body time to adjust.
- Stay active: Regular exercise can strengthen the cardiovascular system, improving blood pressure regulation.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports blood volume and pressure stability.
These tips help manage orthostatic hypertension in young adults. These individuals may face unique challenges due to active lifestyles and variable daily routines.
Are there Any Related Complications?
According to a study conducted in 2019, those young people who experience an increase in systolic pressure as small as 5mmHg have a higher risk of developing essential hypertension.
However, it is uncertain if OHT is a subtype of essential hypertension or a kind of prehypertension. If so, close monitoring is necessary to detect or prevent future issues, such as organ damage and heart disease.
Conclusion
To conclude, OTH is an underdiagnosed yet impactful condition. Symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue disrupt daily life and put patients at risk for serious health complications. Awareness is the key to improving diagnosis and treatment. Through proactive lifestyle changes, timely diagnosis, and patient education, we can better support those affected.
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