What condition is characterized by low blood pressure related to changing positions?

Orthostatic hypotension is the correct response as it specifically refers to a condition where blood pressure drops significantly when an individual changes positions, particularly from lying down to standing up. This sudden change in position can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting due to insufficient blood flow to the brain as the body struggles to adjust to the new position.

The mechanism behind orthostatic hypotension involves the body’s inability to respond adequately to the gravitational shift that occurs when a person stands. Normally, when a person stands up, blood vessels constrict to maintain blood pressure and blood flow. In cases of orthostatic hypotension, this reflex is impaired, leading to the characteristic symptoms.

In contrast, hypertension refers to abnormally high blood pressure, which does not relate to positional changes. Bradycardia is a condition defined by a slower than normal heart rate, while tachycardia indicates a faster than normal heart rate—neither of which involves the blood pressure changes associated with position shifts. These other conditions do not directly describe the phenomenon observed with orthostatic hypotension, making this the most accurate answer.