Abstract
Orthostatic hypotension, which is common mainly in the elderly, is in many cases related to hypovolemia and/or vasodilators intake. However, when an impairment of the autonomic nervous system is suspected, orthostatic hypotension severity and mechanism may be investigated. The most common tests are the head upright tilt-test and the Valsalva manoeuvre. Both of them examine the baroreflex system as a whole, and become non invasive tests with the development of finger arterial blood pressure continuous measurement. Each part of the baroreflex system may be investigated separately. So, cardiac vagal responses to ocular compression, to carotid sinus massage, to respiratory change or to atropine infusion, may be tested. On the other hand, sympathetic efferent pathways may be stimulated in a variety of ways, such as isometric exercise, cutaneous cold, mental arithmetic, norepinephrine infusion, or tiltest. None of these tests should be applied systematically, but according to the clinical features.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.