Can exercising help with blood pressure disorders like hypotension?

Exercise can cause changes in blood pressure levels. The kind of hypotension that is associated with exercise is called postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Some exercises like bench press, reverse flies, aerobics, yoga postures, lunges and squats can increase risk of developing low blood pressure. This is because most of these exercises involve a sudden change in posture when the head rises from below the heart or when the head is level with the heart.  When you change position suddenly, the heart cannot pump fast enough to supply enough blood and oxygen to the brain. The same thing may happen when you work out on a treadmill. Blood pools in the legs and the heart may not be able to pump fast enough to ensure adequate blood supply to the brain.  This can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous. You may also experience blurred vision, lack of concentration, fatigue, rapid breathing, and clammy skin. While doing exercises, you must make sure that you do not change positions suddenly. For instance, while starting with squats, you can practice by using a chair. First, sit all the way down in the chair and stand up. Then repeat without touching the seat of the chair. Continue slowly and progress to doing squats without a chair. Such gradual progression can help reduce incidence of hypotension.