Orthostatichypotension
Things to help with Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic Hypotension -Wear compression hose putting them on first thing in the morning at taking off at bedtime. You can get these from a medical supply store and they require a prescription
-Eat Small meals- as we age, we can develop something called post prandial hypotension. What this means is that with eating, our blood pressure can fall. Smaller meals attenuate this.
-Stay Hydrated- drink plenty of fluids and limit or avoid Alcohol.
-Exercise- exercises your calf muscle before sitting up and standing up.
-Slow Down- wait at the side of the bed for 1 minute before getting up. While you are waiting exercise your calf
-Elevate the head of your bed. This counter acts some of the effects of gravity.
-Move Legs while standing- tries not to stand in one place without moving your legs. If you start to develop symptoms while standing, cross your legs like a scissor and squeeze hard or try and sit or lay down if possible
-Liberalize Salt- increasing salt intake will allow you to hold onto more fluid and increase your blood pressure and limit some of the effects of orthostasis
-Coffee- one cup of caffeinated coffee in the am