Dizziness (Dizzy) (cont.)
Postural or orthostatic hypotension
In patients who are dehydrated or anemic, blood pressure readings may be
normal when they are lying flat, however, the lack of fluid is unmasked when they
stand up quickly. The lack of blood to the brain causes dizziness and lightheadedness. This feeling may pass in a few seconds as the body
adapts. However, if dehydration or medications (for example, beta
blockers) prevent the body from reacting by constricting blood vessels and
increasing the heart rate, the dizziness may persist to the point at which the
patient passes out (faints).
Some diseases are associated with an inability to compensate for changes in
body position (autonomic dysfunction). With autonomic dysfunction, a person may
become dizzy when they move from a lying position to sitting or standing up.
Examples of these diseases include
diabetes,
Addison's disease, or
Parkinson's disease).
Orthostatic hypotension is a common symptom with
Shy-Drager syndrome.
Shy-Drager syndrome is a rare disease in which the autonomic nervous system
degenerates and cannot provide the routine control mechanisms for the body
including heart rate, blood pressure, and bowel and bladder function.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the
"silent killer" since
it often has no symptoms, even if blood pressure readings are markedly elevated.
On occasion, patients may complain of headache, nausea, or dizziness, although
the complaints don't necessarily correlate with the degree of blood pressure
elevation.
However, if the blood pressure is elevated and the patient has symptoms, there is
a need to bring the blood pressure under control relatively quickly. The
more severe the symptoms, the quicker blood pressure control needs to be achieved.
For example, if a patient is having
chest pain or
stroke symptoms associated
with high blood pressure, the blood pressure needs to be controlled immediately.
Next: Diabetes »
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