This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity of the heart. Both can cause low blood pressureĮlectrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). These can provide information about overall health, including low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or low red blood cell levels (anemia). A drop of 10 mm Hg in the bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) within 2 to 5 minutes of standing also indicates orthostatic hypotension. A drop of 20 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) in the top number (systolic blood pressure) within 2 to 5 minutes of standing is a sign of orthostatic hypotension. This involves measuring blood pressure while sitting and standing.
A provider also might recommend one or more of the following:
