-
Orthostatic hypotension : 2nd part. Epidemiology, complications and treatments
Tyberghein M. , Philips J-C. , Krzesinski J-M. , Scheen A.J.
Rev Med Liege 2013, 68(4),163-170Abstract : Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a rather common phenomenon in clinical practice. It may occur in 5-10 % of normal individuals, but its prevalence increases with age and various pathologies, so that it may rise above 35 % in certain subgroups of patients. OH is associated with various comorbidities, in particular cardio-cerebro-vascular accidents and falls (especially in the elderly), and may even increase mortality. It is, however, difficult to determine whether OH is simply a marker of frailty or whether it is really a risk factor. OH treatment involves physical manoeuvres or medications, which aim at inducing a peripheral vasoconstriction (midodrine, etilefrine) or an increase of circulating blood volume (9-alphafluohydrocortisone). However, their use should be cautious, because of a risk of arterial hypertension in supine position.
