A common adverse effect of anti-hypertensive medications.

A common adverse effect of anti-hypertensive medications.

• A. Pernicious anemia
• B. Orthostatic hypotension
• C. Duodenum
• D. Raynaud's disease

Answer: (B)

Orthostatic hypotension is a common adverse effect of anti-hypertensive medications. When you stand, gravity pulls blood into the legs, and the body normally compensates by constricting vessels and increasing heart rate. Many blood pressure drugs blunt or bluntly reduce these compensatory responses or lower overall blood pressure, so standing can cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. This risk is higher in older adults, people who are dehydrated or volume-depleted, and those taking multiple antihypertensives. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune deficiency of vitamin B12, not related to how blood pressure meds work. The duodenum is part of the small intestine and isn’t a side effect. Raynaud’s disease is a vascular condition involving exaggerated cold-induced vasospasm; while some antihypertensives can affect vessel tone, Raynaud’s itself is not a typical adverse effect of these medications.

Orthostatic hypotension is a common adverse effect of anti-hypertensive medications. When you stand, gravity pulls blood into the legs, and the body normally compensates by constricting vessels and increasing heart rate. Many blood pressure drugs blunt or bluntly reduce these compensatory responses or lower overall blood pressure, so standing can cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. This risk is higher in older adults, people who are dehydrated or volume-depleted, and those taking multiple antihypertensives.

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune deficiency of vitamin B12, not related to how blood pressure meds work. The duodenum is part of the small intestine and isn’t a side effect. Raynaud’s disease is a vascular condition involving exaggerated cold-induced vasospasm; while some antihypertensives can affect vessel tone, Raynaud’s itself is not a typical adverse effect of these medications.