What does "orthostatic hypotension" refer to?

Orthostatic hypotension specifically refers to a significant drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up from a seated or supine position. This condition results from the body's inability to appropriately regulate blood pressure during postural changes. When a person stands, gravity causes blood to pool in the lower extremities, which can result in a temporary decrease in cerebral perfusion, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

In contrast, a drop in blood pressure when in a supine position is not considered orthostatic hypotension but rather may indicate other issues such as cardiac problems or dehydration. Elevated blood pressure during exercise is a normal physiological response as the heart works harder to supply blood to the muscles, rather than an indication of orthostatic changes. Finally, stable blood pressure during position changes would imply that the body is adequately compensating for the change in posture, which is the opposite of what happens in orthostatic hypotension. Understanding this condition is important for proper assessment and management in clinical practice.