Clinical presentation of orthostatic hypotension in the elderly.
case_report · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 7971628.
- Also identified by PMC identifier 2397742.
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Abstract
Fifty cases of orthostatic hypotension in the elderly are analysed. Three main modes of presentation were identified: (1) falls or mobility problems; (2) mental confusion or dementia; or (3) predominantly cardiac symptoms. Selected case histories are given to illustrate diagnostic difficulties. Medication was responsible for orthostatic hypotension in 66% of patients and striking examples of polypharmacy were encountered. However, 34% of cases were not iatrogenic. Only 14% of patients had overtly postural symptoms. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose orthostatic hypotension in the elderly and the condition is often overlooked. The paper provides useful diagnostic clues for clinicians.
Medical subject headings
- Accidental Falls
- Dementia
- Heart Diseases
- Hypotension, Orthostatic