Most people are aware of blood pressure problems, like hypertension and hypotension. However, there would be very few people who know about neurally mediated hypotension which occurs due to unnatural reflex action between the brain and the heart, even though they are structurally normal. This type of hypotension is also called fainting reflex, vasodepresser syncope (fainting), neurocardiogenic syncope, autonomic dysfunction or vas0-vagal reflex.

The condition is caused when a person:

1.    remains in an upright position for too long, such as standing or sitting straight
2.    undergoes a stressful situation
3.    exercises
4.    remains in a hot environment caused either by weather and a hot shower or bath
5.    eats a meal. This happens in rare cases and due to the flow of blood being shifted to the intestinal circulation.
6.    is genetically susceptible to this.

Dietary habits, acute triggering factors like allergy or infection and psychological make up of a person are also important reasons for a person suffering from neurally mediated hypotension.

It is commonly indicated by light headedness or fainting. Other symptoms include mental confusion, headaches, chronic fatigue and muscle aches or fibromyalgia. This condition can not be diagnosed by the ordinary blood pressure tests or heart rate screenings. The diagnosis is based on the ‘tilt table test’.

Once a person has been diagnosed with neurally mediated hypotension, he is recommended to increase the amount of water and salt intake. Certain drugs are also prescribed to regulate the blood pressure. Moreover, there are certain drugs that allow the kidneys to retain sodium while other help by blocking the body’s response to adrenaline, which is most often responsible for blood pressure abnormalities. Some medicines that have a good success rate for this condition are theophylline, pseudoephedrine, midodrine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), fludrocortisone (Florinef), disopyramide (Norpace), beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol), sertraline (Zoloft), ephedrine and fluoxetine (Prozac). It must always be remembered that before using medicine, make it sure that it does not contain any drugs or vitamins that may be harmful for the condition rather than helpful.

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