The Schellong test is a simple examination method for checking the circulatory function and clarifying sudden drops in blood pressure.
More severe drops in blood pressure or low blood pressure may be present if people feel dizzy when they stand up or go black before their eyes. Unclear falls can also indicate a circulatory disorder.
Here the Schellong test can provide first impressions.
No physical intervention is required to perform the Schellong test. All that is necessary is to measure blood pressure and heart rate.
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The patient first relaxes on the couch for about ten minutes. After the patient has been in bed, the blood pressure and heart rate are measured. Then the patient should get up. Both parameters are recorded again immediately upon getting up. The patient should now stand for about ten minutes. During this time, blood pressure and heart rate are measured again every minute.
The Schellong test assesses the change in blood pressure when changing body position from lying to standing. When standing quickly, the blood sinks into the legs due to gravity. This is also called the orthostatic response. So the blood circulation in the head and heart decreases.
The body reacts to this mechanism to prevent a sharp drop in blood pressure or to keep it as constant as possible. It does this by closing the blood vessels and increasing the heart rate. If the physical exercise is inadequate, symptoms suggestive of low blood pressure or a sharp drop in blood pressure may occur.
With the Schellong test, initial assessments of the circulatory function can be made based on the blood pressure values determined.
Read more about the physical mechanism and its causes under: Low blood pressure and high pulse - our body's natural response
The Schellong test is used to assess the change in blood pressure when standing up. This is also called orthostatic regulation. When standing up, you can expect:
In this case, a disturbance of the circulatory function cannot be assumed.
Read more on this topic at: High pulse and low blood pressure - our body's response
However, if the blood pressure falls more sharply when you stand up, this can be an indication of an orthostatic problem or a disturbed circulatory disorder.
The exact illustration of the blood pressure and heart rate values can suggest the cause of the circulatory disorder. A cause can e.g. be a dysregulation by the vegetative system (the sympathetic).
Read more about this at: Circulatory weakness
These symptoms may indicate low blood pressure or a rapid drop in blood pressure (poor circulation):
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$config[ads_text2] not foundTherapy for low blood pressure depends on the underlying cause. Initially, attempts are often made to increase blood pressure through lifestyle changes, diet changes and physiotherapy. If this is not enough, drug therapy can be considered.
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The following are some things you can do to help raise your blood pressure:
Read more on this topic at: Home remedies for low blood pressure
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If the low blood pressure could not be treated adequately despite a change in life, drug therapy can be considered. However, you should first discuss this in detail with your doctor.
So-called sympathomimetics can be used as medication. These increase blood pressure by narrowing the blood vessels.
Another drug used to treat low blood pressure is dihydroergotamine. This prevents the blood from sinking rapidly into the legs, as it does when standing up.
Read more on this topic at: Medicines for low blood pressure
The Schellong test can provide initial assessments of the cause of the low blood pressure. The prognosis may differ depending on the underlying cause. If the problem is a simple orthostatic problem, i.e. a drop in blood pressure due to a change in position, this can often be treated quickly with changes in behavior and compression stockings.
Are there other causes behind the low blood pressure, e.g. a decrease in heart function (heart failure), the prognosis may well be worse. Therefore, be sure to see a doctor if you often have symptoms that may indicate low blood pressure.
Further information on this topic can be found at: When does low blood pressure become dangerous?