# Hypotension --- **Hypotension** is the fancy medical word for low [[blood pressure]]. Hypotension is a sign of many things, including: - [[dehydration]] - low [[blood volume]] ## Orthostatic Hypotension **Orthostatic hypotension**, sometimes called **postural hypotension** is a drop in [[blood pressure]] that happens when you stand up, accompanied by an increase in [[heart rate]]. It can cause [[dizziness]], lightheadedness, and even [[vision|blurry vision]], or [[syncope]]. Essentially the heart is compensating for a "low tank" of fluid in the body. That's why we give fluid, in order to "refillt the tank" The definition of orthostatics is a *reduction of systolic blood pressure* of at least **20mm/Hg**; a *reduction in diastolic blood pressure* of at least **10mm/Hg**; or an *increase in heart rate* by >**30 beats per minute**, when comparing lying to standing. To test for this first measure when the patient is lying supine, then again with them sitting up in bed after two minutes, and then again when they are standing up after two minutes. >[!tip] Nursing considerations Take care, because this is actually a **medical diagnosis**. You can note vitals and say "orthostatic positive", in your diagnosis. ___