Hello,
The causes for your
dizziness might be the following:
1) Postural or orthostatic hypotension
2) Post prandial hypotension
Orthostatic or
postural hypotension is a condition in which subjects experience a systolic blood pressure drop of 20 mm Hg or more, or a diastolic blood pressure drop of 10 mm Hg or more, with or without an increase in heart or pulse rate, with or without symptoms, and within 3 minutes after standing. Standing blood pressure should be measured at 1 and 3 minutes.
Management strategies a lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding sudden postural changes and sitting on the edge of the bed for 5 minutes before standing, calf
muscle exercises, drinking 2 liters of fluids per day, avoiding hot environments, raising the head of the bed to 15-20 degrees, and using elastic compression stockings are some of the nonpharmacological measures that are helpful.
Postprandial hypotension (PPH) is a condition in which there is a systolic blood pressure drop of 20 mm Hg in a supine/sitting position within 120 minutes after eating a meal.
For its management:
1) The patient should be informed about the risk of falling and of
syncope within 15-120 minutes after taking meals
2) Alcoholic beverages should be avoided before and after meals
3) Meal size and composition should be adjusted and frequent small meals encouraged
4) Walking exercise after a meal may help to reduce PPH
5) Abdominal binders may also help to reduce meal-induced hypotension
If even with the above mentioned measures, symptoms persist, you need to go to a physician for further evaluation.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist