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There are 4 types of hypotension or low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, postprandial hypotension, neurally mediated hypotension, and multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension.
When you suddenly stand up or change your body’s position after lying or sitting down, it causes orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension). It mostly lasts only a few seconds or minutes. It is caused by dehydration, long-term bed rest, pregnancy, certain medical conditions and some medications.
Postprandial hypotension is a condition when the blood pressure drops suddenly after eating. This occurs within 1 to 2 hours after eating. It occurs in patients with diseases such as diabetes or autonomic nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
Neurally mediated hypotension happens due to a reflex between a person’s normally functioning heart and brain. This is a blood pressure drop that happens after standing for long periods or being in warm surroundings such as a hot shower or bath or hot summer weather. It’s sometimes called the fainting reflex.
Multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension is a rare type of hypotension that causes progressive decline of the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, such as blood pressure, breathing, digestion, and heart rate. It is also called Shy-Drager syndrome.
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