Protocol · Cardiovascular Health
Orthostatic Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure on Standing) Supportive Care Protocol
Electrolytes (Sodium) and Vitamin B12 are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Orthostatic Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure on Standing) Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Electrolytes (Sodium) | Amount listed: 2–4 g extra sodium daily (salt tablets or high-sodium foods) with 2–3 L fluids | Expands blood volume to help maintain blood pressure when standing | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin B12 | Amount listed: 1,000–2,500 mcg daily if deficient or borderline | Deficiency causes autonomic neuropathy; correction may improve orthostatic symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Caffeine | Amount listed: 100–200 mg with meals (coffee or caffeine tablets) | Vasoconstrictor that can raise blood pressure; helps prevent postprandial hypotension | Not graded yet | ||
| Licorice Root | Amount listed: 300–600 mg standardized extract daily (monitor potassium; not for prolonged use) | Contains glycyrrhizin which raises blood pressure by increasing sodium retention | Not graded yet | ||
| Iron | Amount listed: As needed to correct deficiency (check ferritin, hemoglobin) | Anemia worsens orthostatic hypotension; correct if deficient | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily | Deficiency associated with cardiovascular dysfunction; supports overall health | Not graded yet | ||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Supports cardiovascular and autonomic function | Not graded yet | ||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | Supports cardiovascular function and energy production | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Orthostatic Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure on Standing). If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
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Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a significant drop in blood pressure when standing up - defined as a decrease of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing. This causes symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, fatigue, nausea, and fainting. OH is common in older adults and can result from dehydration, medications (especially blood pressure drugs, diuretics), autonomic nervous system disorders (diabetes, Parkinson's), prolonged bed rest, or various medical conditions.
CRITICAL: Orthostatic hypotension requires medical evaluation to identify the cause. Medication review is essential - many drugs cause or worsen OH (BP medications, diuretics, antidepressants, alpha-blockers for prostate). Underlying conditions (diabetes, Parkinson's disease, pure autonomic failure) need to be addressed. First-line treatment is non-pharmacological: adequate fluids and salt, compression garments, slow position changes, elevated head of bed. Medications (fludrocortisone, midodrine) may be needed for refractory cases. These supplements support blood pressure but are NOT replacements for comprehensive medical management.
Electrolytes/Sodium* - Increasing salt intake (with adequate fluids) expands blood volume and is the cornerstone of OH management. Target 2-4g extra sodium daily with 2-3L of fluid.
Vitamin B12* deficiency can cause autonomic neuropathy leading to OH. Levels should be checked and corrected.
Caffeine* is a vasoconstrictor and can help raise blood pressure, especially helpful with meals (postprandial hypotension).
Licorice Root* contains glycyrrhizin which causes sodium retention and raises blood pressure. Use cautiously and monitor potassium - prolonged use can cause problems.
Iron* - Anemia worsens orthostatic hypotension. If hemoglobin is low, correcting anemia often helps symptoms.
Vitamin D, Magnesium, and CoQ10* support overall cardiovascular function.
Expected timeline: Salt/fluid loading provides rapid improvement (days). Caffeine effects are acute (same meal). Correcting B12 or iron deficiency takes weeks to months. Chronic OH often requires ongoing management.