Self-care

Self-Care Strategies for Older Individuals with Postural Hypotension

What is Postural Hypotension?

Postural hypotension is a drop in blood pressure which occurs when a person changes position from lying or sitting to standing. This drop in blood pressure results in decreased blood flow to the brain which causes symptoms such as dizziness on standing, falls and even fainting. It is a common problem affecting approximately 20% of people over the age of 65 and up to 50% of those over 75 years of age. Some of the causes of postural hypotension include certain medications such as anti-depressants, dehydration and prolonged bedrest.

Ways to Cope with Postural Hypotension

The following are some simple ways which can help you to cope with postural hypotension and reduce the chances of falling because of postural hypotension:

If you experience dizziness when you stand up, sit down with your head lowered. This will help to promote blood flow to the brain.
Avoid quick changes in position. For example, when changing positions from lying to standing, first go from lying to sitting, sit for a minute and then slowly stand up.
Once standing, stay near a chair for a short time as dizziness most often happens in the first few minutes.
Try crossing your legs or massaging you calf muscles for one minute prior to standing. This may help your circulation.
Wear support stockings (yes men too!). This also helps to push blood up your legs and to your brain.
Stay as active as you can. Walking is a great exercise and helps push your blood up your legs.
Try sleeping with 10 centimetre high blocks under the head side of your box spring. Elevating the head of your bed reduces the amount of position change when you stand up.
Don=t take hot baths or showers, saunas or steam baths. These activities can worsen symptoms
Avoid straining on the toilet or when lifting heavy objects.
Avoid excessive activity in the two-hour period after meals. This is a high risk time for experiencing postural hypotension.

Postural hypotension is an issue which can have a significant effect on quality of life for older adults. By trying out the above strategies you may reduce the severity of postural hypotension and continue to live an active and healthy lifestyle.

For more information on postural hypotension or resources available, please contact Brian Hart, Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Southeastern Regional Geriatric Program at 1-613-548-7222 ext. 2407

Self-Care Strategies for Older Individuals with Postural Hypotension

What is Postural Hypotension?

Ways to Cope with Postural Hypotension

If you experience dizziness when you stand up, sit down with your head lowered. This will help to promote blood flow to the brain.

Avoid quick changes in position. For example, when changing positions from lying to standing, first go from lying to sitting, sit for a minute and then slowly stand up.

Once standing, stay near a chair for a short time as dizziness most often happens in the first few minutes.

Try crossing your legs or massaging you calf muscles for one minute prior to standing. This may help your circulation.

Wear support stockings (yes men too!). This also helps to push blood up your legs and to your brain.

Stay as active as you can. Walking is a great exercise and helps push your blood up your legs.

Try sleeping with 10 centimetre high blocks under the head side of your box spring. Elevating the head of your bed reduces the amount of position change when you stand up.

Don=t take hot baths or showers, saunas or steam baths. These activities can worsen symptoms

Avoid straining on the toilet or when lifting heavy objects.

Avoid excessive activity in the two-hour period after meals. This is a high risk time for experiencing postural hypotension.

Postural hypotension is an issue which can have a significant effect on quality of life for older adults. By trying out the above strategies you may reduce the severity of postural hypotension and continue to live an active and healthy lifestyle.

For more information on postural hypotension or resources available, please contact Brian Hart, Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Southeastern Regional Geriatric Program at 1-613-548-7222 ext. 2407