Jacquie802 Posted January 6, 2013 Report Share Posted January 6, 2013 I am diagnosed as having orthostatic hypotension..what I don't understand is why am I symptomatic even when I'm laying down??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E Soskis Posted January 6, 2013 Report Share Posted January 6, 2013 At times, I feel like I'm about to pass out in the middle of the night when I am lying down in bed! - despite the correct anatomic positioning of head 30--degree elevation, arms elevated on pillows and pillow under my knees/lower legs, I can still feel pre-syncopal. I asked one of my MD's about it and he said that it is related to vascular collapse and poor circulation to the brain. When the blood vessels don't respond like they are supposed to (floppy and dilated), the vessels pool blood in them and it does not circulate like it should. This leads to poor circulation to the 3 major organ systems that keep us alert and functioning: brain, lungs, and heart. So, even in the middle of the night while lying down, if the blood vessels are floppy and poorly responsive, then there will be blood pressure drops which lead to the symptoms you are describing. Remember, late afternoon and beyond, we don't take our midodrine or florinef and we don't wear our compression garments to bed so, we can have these symptoms even when lying down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leigh8 Posted January 6, 2013 Report Share Posted January 6, 2013 I have the same diagnosis and I am symptomatic (lightheaded) constantly. Sorry I don't have an answer to your question, but you're not alone!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerrik1 Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 Yes, you are not alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k&ajsmom Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 Same here, although I feel better than when Im standing...I think this is the part of Pots the doctors are clueless about and just reminds me there is an underlying cause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogini Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Is your BP really low to start off with? I think it's common to have symptoms lying down for all types of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia means that the body has trouble controlloing HR and/or BP. This could be in any position, although worst for most of us when upright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1234 Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 I can't lay flat on my back at night, as it really feels like something in my abdomen is pressing down on my aorta or something else major, because I begin getting pressure in my chest and head along with some pulsating. So, as soon as I roll to either side, it is like that is "released" and I feel better.Same thing happens when sitting and leaning my body to the left. Same pressure and pulsating feeling. I have to sit leaning somewhat to the right.So, I guess I'm saying that for me, I get these feelings from what I believe is blocked blood flow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarrieJessica Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 I have OH also. I feel the same way but I usually blame it on Inappropriate Sinus Tachy and Bradycardia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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