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Updated: May 13, 2026
14:09
Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
[Orthostatic hypotension in the elderly]
Teresa Ferrer-Gila1, Cristian Rízea
1Sección de Sistema Nervioso Autónomo. Servicio de Neurofisiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Espana. mteresa.ferrer@salud.madrid.org
Revista De Neurologia
|March 14, 2013
Summary
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a blood pressure drop upon standing, common in older adults. Early diagnosis and management, including ruling out cardiac issues, can improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
Context:
- Orthostatic hypotension (OH) affects elderly patients, presenting diverse etiologies like autonomic dysfunction, cardiac issues, and medication side effects.
- Symptoms range from dizziness and fatigue to cognitive impairment and syncope.
- Prevalence increases with age, reaching 90% in individuals over 70.
Purpose:
- To define orthostatic hypotension (OH) and its diagnostic methods.
- To highlight the prevalence and contributing factors of OH in older adults.
- To discuss management strategies for improving quality of life.
Summary:
- OH is characterized by a significant blood pressure drop within three minutes of standing.
- The tilt-table test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for OH.
- Prevalence in patients over 40 with suspected OH was 51%, rising to 90% in those over 70.
Impact:
- Ruling out neurological or cardiac issues can significantly improve OH prognosis and symptom reversibility.
- Management strategies, including non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches, can enhance patient quality of life.
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