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Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
Etiology and risk factors for developing orthostatic hypotension
Aron D Mosnaim1, Rasheed Abiola, Marion E Wolf
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Health Professions at Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA. Aron.Mosnaim@rosalindfranklin.edu
American Journal of Therapeutics
|May 13, 2009
Summary
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a blood pressure drop upon standing, affecting the elderly and those with neurological disorders. Medications can trigger OH, but dosage adjustments may mitigate risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing.
- It is common in the elderly and linked to neurodegenerative disorders, causing cognitive, emotional, and physical issues like falls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of medications in triggering orthostatic hypotension.
- To inform diagnosis and treatment strategies for OH, considering drug-induced risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical criteria for diagnosing orthostatic hypotension.
- Analysis of medication classes associated with increased OH risk.
- Examination of potential mechanisms of drug-induced OH.
Main Results:
- Common medications for hypertension, psychosis, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) can induce OH.
- Vaccines, such as the cervical cancer vaccine, have also been implicated.
- Mechanisms include vasodilation and sympathetic nervous system interruption.
Conclusions:
- Medication side effects are a critical factor in OH development and severity.
- Healthcare providers must consider drug interactions when diagnosing and treating OH.
- Adjusting medication dosages can potentially reduce or eliminate drug-induced OH risks.
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