OH
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Geography & Places, Medical, Texting & Internet Slang |
OH has three meanings. The most common are Ohio (US state) and Orthostatic hypotension (cardiology); it can also stand for Other half.
Meanings of OH at a glance
| # | OH stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | Geography & Places › US State |
| 2 | Orthostatic hypotension | Medical › Cardiology |
| 3 | Other half | Texting & Internet Slang › Dating and Relationship |
1. Ohio
Geography & Places · US State Abbreviations
Admitted as the 17th state in 1803, the Buckeye State has Columbus as its capital and largest city, with Cleveland and Cincinnati as other major metros. Ohio's swallowtail flag is the only non-rectangular state flag in the US.
Example: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame visitors flock to Cleveland, OH each summer.
AP never abbreviates Ohio, one of the eight states with that rule; the old form O. is obsolete. OH was set in 1963. Ohio's admission was confirmed only in 1953, when Congress passed a resolution retroactive to March 1, 1803. In chemistry OH is the hydroxyl group.
2. Orthostatic hypotension
Medical · Cardiology Abbreviations
Drop in blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within three minutes of standing, causing lightheadedness, blurred vision or fainting. It is common in older adults and is linked to dehydration, medications, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.
Example: Orthostatic vitals positive: BP 138/80 supine, 108/66 standing at 3 minutes; OH from new diuretic.
Neurogenic OH, caused by autonomic failure, typically shows little or no compensatory rise in heart rate, which helps distinguish it from dehydration. Treatment includes stopping offending drugs, extra fluid and salt, compression garments, and drugs such as midodrine or droxidopa. OH markedly increases fall risk. In chemistry OH is the hydroxyl group, and in addresses Ohio.
3. Other half
Texting & Internet Slang · Dating and Relationship Abbreviations
British and Irish term for one's spouse or partner, as in "my OH is cooking tonight." Very common on UK forums, in texts and on social media, and usually affectionate.
Example: My OH surprised me with tickets to the show for our anniversary.
Gender-neutral, so it suits any couple. Especially common on Mumsnet and other UK parenting forums, alongside DH (dear husband) and DP (dear partner). Americans more often say "better half." OH is also the US postal code for Ohio, which address context makes clear.
Related abbreviations
More US state abbreviations
- NJ – New Jersey
- NM – New Mexico
- NV – Nevada
- NY – New York
- OK – Oklahoma
- OR – Oregon
- PA – Pennsylvania
- RI – Rhode Island
See all 51 US state abbreviations →
More cardiology abbreviations
- NSTEMI – Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
- NSVT – Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia
- NT-proBNP – N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide
- NYHA – New York Heart Association
- OM – Obtuse marginal artery
- OPCAB – Off-pump coronary artery bypass
- PAC – Premature atrial contraction
- PAD – Peripheral artery disease
See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.