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Postural hypotension in elderly family practice patients.
1Department of Family Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68105-1065.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Postural hypotension (PH) is common in older adults and often linked to falls and reduced function. It frequently occurs even without clear risk factors or symptoms, making prediction difficult.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Primary Care
Background:
- Postural hypotension (PH) affects many older adults.
- Identifying predictors and consequences of PH is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of PH in older ambulatory patients.
- To determine the correlation between PH, risk factors, symptoms, and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 100 ambulatory patients aged 65+ in a university family practice clinic.
- Measured blood pressure changes upon standing.
- Assessed history of falls, weakness, dizziness, and functional ability.
Main Results:
- 31% had systolic PH, 16% had diastolic PH; 12% had both.
- PH correlated with a history of falls and decreased functional ability.
- Risk factors and symptoms like dizziness did not reliably predict PH.
Conclusions:
- PH is frequent in older adults and associated with adverse outcomes.
- PH cannot be reliably predicted by common risk factors or symptoms.
- Further research is needed to understand and manage PH in this population.