Orthostatic hypotension blood pressure test

A clinician usually asks about light-headedness, fainting, falls, medicines, fluid intake, and health conditions. You rest quietly while blood pressure and pulse are measured. You then stand with supervision, and the measurements are repeated while you remain still. The timing and number of readings can vary according to your symptoms and safety. Tell the clinician immediately if you feel faint, nauseated, confused, or develop blurred vision.

The result is interpreted with the change in blood pressure, pulse response, and what you felt. One normal visit does not explain every episode, because hydration, meals, illness, and medication timing can affect readings.

Ask the clinic whether to take your usual medicines and eat or drink normally before the appointment; do not alter treatment on your own. Wear clothing that allows access to your upper arm and bring a list of medicines and recent episodes. Avoid driving yourself if standing has caused fainting. During the test, rise only when told and hold the support provided.

Keep a short home record of when symptoms occur, your position, recent food or fluids, and any medicine taken. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can put the readings into context. Learn more about [Dizziness](/symptoms/dizziness/).

Arrange medical review if symptoms are frequent, you have fainted, or you are avoiding normal activities because standing feels unsafe. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, new one-sided weakness, new trouble speaking, confusion, a serious fall, or bleeding. Do not wait for a routine test if you are currently very unwell.

Ask what the readings showed, whether your pulse changed as expected, which medicines or conditions may affect the result, whether repeat monitoring is useful, and what to do during a future episode.