The primary blood pressure related symptom of PD is orthostatic hypotension (OH). Orthostatic hypotension is the term used when blood pressure drops upon standing from sitting, or upon sitting from lying down. The low blood pressure of orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and maybe even fainting (syncope).
Short Overviews
Living with Postural Hypotension
Published by MSA Trust, May 2025
This seven-page fact sheet is made for people affected by MSA, but is just as useful to those with Parkinson’s disease, who are experiencing drops in blood pressure and postural hypotension. It covers symptoms, when they are likely to happen, what to do, exercise and other tips for daily living with OH, including medication options.
Low Blood Pressure in Parkinson's Disease
Published by Parkinson's Foundation
This two-page article discusses the frequency of orthostatic hypotension in those with PD, the cause, symptoms and several simple measures that can be used to restore normal blood pressure regulation, including medication evaluation, increase of fluids and salty foods, caffeine, frequent small meals, environment, clothing, slow position change, bed position and medication options.
Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinson’s Disease: Essential Facts for Patients
Published by International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, 2019
The two-page fact sheet explains orthostatic hypotension (OH) symptoms, some causes, what Parkinson’s patients can do to improve OH problems, medications that treat OH, and what to do when Parkinson’s patients experience OH. Photos of physical countermeasures are included.
Animation
Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension - Medical Animation
By Treat Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Now, July 30, 2013
This five-minute video uses medical animation to demonstrate how neurogenic orthostatic hypotension occurs in Parkinson’s disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and other disorders; including symptoms, and diagnostic parameters.
Specialist Talks
From Low Blood Pressure to Bladder Problems: A Look at Lesser-Known Parkinson's Symptoms
By The Michael J. Fox Foundation, June 16, 2022
In this 60-minute audio with slides, expert panelists, including two movement disorder specialists and a person with Parkinson's, discuss autonomic issues in Parkinson's disease. Symptoms such as low blood pressure, bladder problems, constipation and sweating — as well as ways to treat them — are discussed. Registration is required, but is free.
Low Blood Pressure
By Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach, June 2024
In this four-minute video, Denise Dagan with Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach explains that low blood pressure in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is common and can increase the risk of injury from lightheadedness or dizziness. She reviews lifestyle changes to help maintain adequate blood pressure and medications that may be prescribed under a doctor’s supervision.
Managing Blood Pressure in PD
By Parkinson’s Foundation, June 5, 2020
In this one-hour webinar, neurologist Albert Hung discusses how PD impacts blood pressure (BP) regulation, how to diagnose BP issues, and approaches to treating BP in those with PD. There is a short question and answer session as well.
Webinar Notes are on the Stanford PD Community Blog.
Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinsonian Symdromes (MSA, PD, and LBD)
By Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach, August 2025
This one-hour webinar features autonomic specialist Mitchell Miglis, MD, with Stanford Neurology, on orthostatic low blood pressure in Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and Lewy body dementia. Dr. Miglis explains causes, triggers, symptoms, lifestyle changes, and treatment options. The session was moderated by Candy Welch of Brain Support Network’s MSA Caregiver Support Group and co-hosted by Stanford’s Multiple System Atrophy Center of Excellence.
nOH (neurogenic orthostatic hypotension or "dizzyness") in Parkinson's
By Davis Phinney Foundation, November 5, 2022
In this one-hour webinar, movement disorder specialist Salima Brillman, MD, explains what nOH is and how it is diagnosed. She shares lifestyle changes, medication options, quick tips, and answers listener questions throughout. A must-listen for those struggling with nOH.
Two Talks on Dysautonomia
By Parkinson's Resources of Oregon, March 2023
Introduction to Dysautonomia
In this 40-minute talk, he provides an in-depth look at the science of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and dysautonomia.
How to Manage Dysautonomia in Parkinson's Disease
In this 45-minute talk, he discusses orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and Lewy body dementia—covering causes, symptoms, lifestyle strategies, and treatment options.
Understanding Blood Pressure Fluctuations in Parkinson's Disease
By APDA Massachusetts, August 10, 2021
In this one-hour webinar, movement disorder specialist Anindita Deb, MD, provides an overview of the human nervous system, which controls blood pressure. Dr. Deb notes what medications can affect blood pressure. Then she describes neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), how to monitor it, and how it affects cognition and mobility. She spends considerable time sharing physical maneuvers, lifestyle changes, and medications to treat nOH. Listener questions are addressed.
Understanding Orthostatic Hypotension
By Houston Area Parkinson Society, July 2020
In this talk, Olga Waln, MD, spends 15 minutes explaining why OH happens, the impact of OH on quality of life, what symptoms you may experience, and how OH is diagnosed. She spends another 10 minutes sharing suggestions for lifestyle changes and medications to treat OH. Finally, Dr. Waln answers questions for 20 minutes.
Last updated July 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.