Postural hypotension in adults: fludrocortisone

What is postural hypotension?

Postural hypotension (also called orthostatic hypotension) is a condition in which a person's blood pressure drops abnormally when they stand up after sitting or lying down. Not all people who have this condition have symptoms, but it can lead to dizziness, light-headedness and fainting, and possible falls.

Postural hypotension is more common in older people, and in people who have conditions such as Parkinson's disease or diabetes, which affect the part of the nervous system that helps to control blood pressure. People can also get the condition if they are dehydrated, or are taking certain medicines (for example, to treat high blood pressure).