In older adults, which condition increases the risk of dizziness upon standing?

• A. Orthostatic hypotension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hypothermia

Answer: (A)

Orthostatic hypotension is what raises the risk of dizziness when standing. When you move from lying or sitting to standing, gravity pulls blood into the legs, and the body’s reflexes to maintain blood pressure can be slower or weaker in older adults. If the blood pressure drops substantially—typically a decrease of about 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within the first few minutes of standing—the brain doesn’t get enough blood briefly, which leads to lightheadedness or dizziness.

Older adults are more prone because aging can blunt the baroreceptor reflexes, reduce blood volume, and interact with medications (like diuretics, vasodilators, or antihypertensives) that lower blood pressure. Dehydration and certain medical conditions (e.g., anemia, diabetes with autonomic neuropathy) also increase risk.

The other conditions listed don’t directly explain dizziness upon standing. Tachycardia is a fast heartbeat and can occur as the body tries to compensate for a drop in pressure, but the primary issue causing the dizziness is the BP drop itself. Hypertension is high blood pressure and isn’t the direct cause of postural dizziness. Hypothermia can cause general dizziness or confusion, but it isn’t the specific mechanism behind standing-related dizziness in older adults.