Orthostatic hypertension

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Orthostatic hypertension
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Elevated blood pressure upon standing
Complications	Cardiovascular disease, stroke
Onset	Typically in adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Autonomic dysfunction, medication
Risks	Hypertension, diabetes, aging
Diagnosis	Blood pressure measurement upon standing
Differential diagnosis	Orthostatic hypotension, Pheochromocytoma
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Lifestyle modification, medication
Medication	Alpha blockers, beta blockers
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Unknown
Deaths	Rare

Orthostatic Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by a significant increase in blood pressure upon standing. This condition is the opposite of Orthostatic hypotension, which is a decrease in blood pressure upon standing.

Symptoms

Orthostatic hypertension can be asymptomatic, meaning that it does not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. These symptoms are typically more severe when the person stands up quickly.

Causes

The exact cause of orthostatic hypertension is not known. However, it is believed to be related to a malfunction in the body's autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure. Other potential causes include certain medications, dehydration, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

Diagnosis

Orthostatic hypertension is diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also order a tilt table test, which involves the patient lying on a table that is then tilted to simulate standing up. The patient's blood pressure is monitored throughout the test to see if it increases upon standing.

Treatment

Treatment for orthostatic hypertension typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve changing medications, treating any underlying medical conditions, or making lifestyle changes such as increasing fluid intake and avoiding sudden changes in posture.

See Also

• Hypertension
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Autonomic nervous system
• Tilt table test