[Arterial hypotension: behind the scenes]

Arterial hypotension is a frequently encountered phenomenon in clinical practice. It is responsible for multiple consultations and/or hospitalizations, mostly in elderly people. It is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. Arterial hypotension can be constitutional, part of a syndrome, orthostatic, or secondary (drug induced, hypovolemia). The diagnosis can be done by measuring the blood pressure in the supine position, sitting and standing position, and by 24h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The first line of treatment is non-drug therapies . The most frequently used medical treatments are midodrine, and fludrocortisone. However specific molecules as droxidopa, pyridostigmine, erythropoietin can also sometimes be indicated.