Orthostatic hypertension is a condition that describes increased blood pressure upon standing or assuming an upright position. While the exact cause of the condition isn't known, it is known to affect the parasympathetic nervous system and the heart and may or may not present with other medical conditions like diabetes. Understanding what exercises may help reduce symptoms, or worsen them, is important for patients.
Definition of Orthostatic Hypertension
Also known as postural hypertension, orthostatic hypertension is considered a type of low or decreased blood pressure that occurs when you stand or sit up from a position such as lying down or even sitting. It's believed that a number of factors may cause the condition, including certain medications, dehydration, cardiac issues, diabetes or a number of central nervous system diseases or disorders.
Symptoms of Orthostatic Hypertension
Sudden feelings of dizziness or faintness are common in those diagnosed with orthostatic hypertension, as well as lack of balance and lightheadedness, and falling down while exercising. People often feel nauseous and weak, and headache and confusion may also be noted.
Benefits of Exercise for Orthostatic Hypertension
Exercises like walking helps cardiovascular strength, endurance and stamina, giving the venous valves in the calves a workout. The valves in the veins of the calf help prevent venous blood from pooling in the lower extremities during movement.
Types of Recommended Exercises
Doctors may suggest simple sitting-down type exercises before a person attempts to stand from a seated or lying down position. One beneficial and simple exercise is to exercise the muscles of the calf before rising. For example, while balancing yourself on the side of the bed or while lying down, point the toes -- feeling the contraction in the calf muscle. Next, pull the toes in toward your chest. Repeat this exercise several times.
Endurance training exercise such as walking and jogging may also help reduce symptoms and intolerance to orthostatic hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. Studies performed on military personnel, published in 2005 in the journal Hypertension, determined that endurance training can be considered for treatment of the condition in some, helping reduce symptoms and incidents of orthostatic hypertension.
Before standing, exercise the thigh muscles by criss-crossing the legs in a scissor fashion to get the blood pumping in your legs. This will also help prevent faintness upon standing. To do this, simply cross your legs and squeeze them together.
Cautions When Exercising
Resist bending over from the waist when performing any kind of aerobic activity, and instead lower yourself by bending the knees.
