What condition is characterized by a temporary decrease in blood pressure when changing positions?

The condition characterized by a temporary decrease in blood pressure when changing positions is orthostatic hypotension. This phenomenon typically occurs when an individual moves from a sitting or lying position to a standing position, leading to a drop in blood pressure. The body's usual response is to compensate for this change by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels, but when these compensatory mechanisms are insufficient, the result is orthostatic hypotension.

Patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting as a result of this drop in blood pressure. This condition is especially common in elderly individuals or those who are dehydrated or take certain medications that can affect blood pressure regulation. In contrast, other choices either do not relate specifically to changes in posture or involve more complex physiological responses that do not simply involve a position change.