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.

What is a significant postural drop?

Your doctor will diagnose orthostatic hypotension if you have a drop of 20 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) in your systolic blood pressure or a drop of 10 mm Hg in your diastolic blood pressure within two to five minutes of standing, or if standing causes signs and symptoms.

Is a postural drop normal?

It happens when the blood vessels do not constrict (tighten) as you stand up. It is usually a symptom of an underlying disorder rather than a disease in itself. The condition is also known as postural hypotension. Everyone is likely to experience a mild form of postural hypotension at some time.