Orthostatic vital signs are measurements of a person’s blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate taken while lying down and then standing up. The primary purpose of orthostatic vital signs is to detect orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which a person’s blood pressure drops significantly upon standing.
Orthostatic hypotension can cause symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. It can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Checking orthostatic vital signs is a simple and effective way to screen for orthostatic hypotension and help ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.