Orthostatic hypotension causes

When one is in the standing position, blood tends to pool up in the legs. This results in a decrease in blood pressure. This is because there is less blood pumping to the heart. The body has its own mechanism to counter low blood pressure. It makes the heart beat faster so that it pumps more blood and blood pressure stabilizes. Sometimes, this mechanism of the body to counter low blood pressure may work efficiently. This can be caused by loss of fluids, heart problems, pregnancy, diabetes, anemia, and certain medications. Dehydration can result in loss of salts, especially sodium from the body. This results in weakness, dizziness, fatigue and low blood pressure. People with diabetes fall prey to dehydration due to excess urination. This increases the risk of orthostatic hypotension in these patients. Anemia can result in a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Since these cells are the main transporters of oxygen in the body, decline in RBC count can result in lack of oxygen supply and low blood pressure. Beta blocker medications, sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil are some medications that can trigger orthostatic hypotension. These medications prevent the heart from pumping very fast and therefore the body cannot adapt to sudden changes in posture.