Occurrence and relevance of postprandial hypotension in patients with essential hypertension

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of postprandial hypotension (PPH) in patients with arterial hypertension, identify its risk factors and evaluate the importance of postprandial blood pressure reduction in relation to the management of hypertension. Forty-nine patients (23 male; 26 female; mean age 65.6 +/- 12 years) with diagnosed hypertension underwent measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate before intake of a standardised breakfast (1821 kJ) and at 15-minute intervals until 1 hour thereafter. The orthostatic test for detection of orthostatic hypotension was performed before the ingestion of food. PPH was detected in 22 patients (45%) with arterial hypertension. Patients treated with diuretics had significantly greater postprandial reductions in blood pressure compared to those who received no diuretic treatment. Levels of premeal systolic blood pressure, age, orthostatic hypotension, history of syncope cardiovascular disease or stroke were not associated with a more severe decline in postprandial blood pressure. Maximal reductions in blood pressure were recorded approximately 33 +/- 15 minutes after ingestion of food. Therefore, recent intake of food should be taken into account in the evaluation of hypertension and the effect of antihypertensive drugs when blood pressure is measured within one hour after a meal.