Compression tights - a modern non-medication method for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension
Usually people go to the doctor if their blood pressure (BP) increases. This pathology is called hypertension and requires constant medication. But sometimes it happens that the pressure decreases - hypotension develops. Most often this happens when changing the position of the body - for example, a sharp rise. This condition is called orthostatic hypotension (OH).
Personalized E-mail newsletter
2 times a month you will receive medical advice from specialists and an announcement of new articles from Lauma Medical
What is orthostatic hypotension?
Orthostatic hypotension is a decrease in blood pressure during the first three to five minutes of standing, if the person was sitting or lying down. It is reported when the systolic pressure (the “upper” value) decreases by 20 mmHg or the diastolic pressure (the “lower” value) by 10 mmHg. The prevalence of this pathology varies between 5-20% according to different data.
Orthostatic hypotension can be manifested by sharp weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, flickering “flies” in front of the eyes, pain in the neck, shoulders or heart, and in severe cases - even lead to loss of consciousness.
In some people, blood pressure may decrease 15-20 minutes after eating. This condition is called postprandial hypotension.
Orthostatic hypotension can be manifested by sharp weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, flickering “flies” in front of the eyes, pain in the neck, shoulders or heart, and in severe cases - even lead to loss of consciousness.
In some people, blood pressure may decrease 15-20 minutes after eating. This condition is called postprandial hypotension.
Why does orthostatic hypotension develop?
During a sudden change of body position, blood from the lower extremities (legs) does not have time to “reach” the heart in the required volume, they can accumulate from 500 to 1000 ml of fluid. Reduced venous return leads to reduced filling of the ventricles of the heart and blood ejection into the vessels, as well as a decrease in blood pressure.
But in healthy people, compensatory mechanisms (baroreflex) are immediately activated, which increase vascular resistance and blood ejection from the heart, limiting further drop in BP.
If one or more compensatory mechanisms do not work, orthostatic hypotension develops - asymptomatic or symptomatic.
But in healthy people, compensatory mechanisms (baroreflex) are immediately activated, which increase vascular resistance and blood ejection from the heart, limiting further drop in BP.
If one or more compensatory mechanisms do not work, orthostatic hypotension develops - asymptomatic or symptomatic.
How to treat orthostatic hypotension?
In severe cases, doctors prescribe special medications, but treatment usually begins with non-medication measures. It includes:
- canceling or reducing the dosage of drugs that cause a decrease in blood pressure;
- increasing water and salt intake (with reduced circulating blood volume, orthostatic hypotension develops more often);
- lifestyle changes, certain physical exercises (e.g., straining the muscles of the legs, abdomen and buttocks while standing, slowly getting out of bed, especially in the morning);
- wearing compression tights.
How do compression tights work for OH?
Compression tights create a graduated pressure on the lower legs, thighs and - especially important in orthostatic hypotension - on the lower abdomen. This prevents blood from stagnating in the lower extremities, increases venous return to the heart and prevents sudden fluctuations in blood pressure.
If for some reason tights do not suit a person (for example, it is difficult to remove them often), they can be replaced by stockings, but necessarily in a set with a special bandage for the abdomen.
If for some reason tights do not suit a person (for example, it is difficult to remove them often), they can be replaced by stockings, but necessarily in a set with a special bandage for the abdomen.
Which compression tights should I choose?
Usually doctors recommend tights of the second compression class (23-32 mmHg) - it is they that provide the necessary pressure on the body. But in some cases, another degree of compression may be required, so only a specialist should select the necessary tights, taking into account the severity of symptoms and concomitant diseases of the patient.
Lauma Medical compression tights with a toe consist of nylon (60%) and Lycra (40%). They look like ordinary tights, but they have a therapeutic effect - they stabilize and improve blood circulation, prevent blood stasis in the legs.
Soft elastic band securely fixes Lauma Medical compression tights on the body, and reinforced toe and heel areas prolong their durability. Five sizes and two lengths make it possible to find the right product for a patient of any build.
Lauma Medical compression tights with a toe consist of nylon (60%) and Lycra (40%). They look like ordinary tights, but they have a therapeutic effect - they stabilize and improve blood circulation, prevent blood stasis in the legs.
Soft elastic band securely fixes Lauma Medical compression tights on the body, and reinforced toe and heel areas prolong their durability. Five sizes and two lengths make it possible to find the right product for a patient of any build.
Lauma Medical compression tights with toe are a modern and comfortable way to treat orthostatic hypotension in men and women
Lauma Medical compression tights with toe are a modern and comfortable way to treat orthostatic hypotension in men and women