Systolic Orthostatic Hypotension Research Articles

Systolic and diastolic component of orthostatic hypotension and cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients

Impact of SBP vs. DBP decrement during orthostasis on cardiovascular events in hypertension is not clear. We assessed prospective association of orthostatic hypotension with mortality and major cardiovascular events [myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke] among 8788 treated hypertensive patients (52.2% men; mean age 52 years, mean BP 161/99 mmHg) without history of MI or stroke at baseline. Orthostatic hypotension was defined according to combined international consensus criteria, and as either systolic (decrease ≥20 mmHg) or diastolic orthostatic hypotension (decrease ≥10 mmHg). Final Cox regression model was adjusted for age, sex, supine SBP and DBP, diabetes, smoking, and total cholesterol. A total of 1060 (12.1%) study participants fulfilled combined orthostatic hypotension criteria, of these 886 (10.1%) met systolic and 290 (3.3%) diastolic criterion. In the crude analysis, combined orthostatic hypotension criteria were predictive of the composite endpoint, major cardiovascular event, total mortality, and stroke but not MI. After full adjustment, combined orthostatic hypotension criteria and systolic orthostatic hypotension were independently associated with stroke only (hazard ratio: 1.48, 1.07-2.05, P = 0.019, and 1.53, 1.08-2.15, P = 0.015, respectively), whereas the composite endpoint tended in the same direction (hazard ratio: 1.21, 0.98-1.51, P = 0.075, and 1.24, 0.99-1.55, P = 0.066, respectively). In contrast, diastolic orthostatic hypotension was associated with increased risk of MI (hazard ratio: 2.04, 1.20-3.46, P = 0.008). Orthostatic hypotension has a dual role in cardiovascular events among hypertensive patients: SBP fall indicates higher risk of stroke, whereas DBP fall confers higher risk of MI.

Evaluation of Systolic and Diastolic Hypotension in Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) can be seen in as many as 30% to 50% of the elderly population as well as in dementia. OH is part of the autonomic dysfunction in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and prevalent in the majority of these patients. It is also suggested to be a negative prognostic factor for survival in DLB. A detailed interpretation of the 10-minute orthostatic blood pressure measurement has shown prolonged orthostasis in DLB compared with other dementias. The type of OH (systolic and diastolic) has not been separately investigated in different dementias. Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyze the type of orthostatic hypotension, systolic and/or diastolic, in different dementia groups compared with normal controls. Patients and Methods: One-hundred fifty-six individuals, 52 with DLB, 50 with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 54 AD with vascular components (ADvasc), and 62 normal controls, were included. As part of each patient’s routine clinical dementia investigation, systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were examined in the supine position, immediately after standing up, and after 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes of standing. OH was defined as a blood pressure drop of 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic, and the type of OH—­systolic, diastolic or both—was defined. Results: Orthostatic hypotension was severely underdiagnosed before the dementia investigation with only 2% to 4% in the dementia groups, while we found that 69% of DLB, 50% of ADvasc, 38% of AD, and 13% of normal controls had OH. A combination of systolic and diastolic OH was the most common type of OH both in the DLB (67%) and ADvasc (48%) groups, while systolic OH was the most common type in AD (63 %) as well as in normal controls (63%). Mini Mental State Examination scores differed significantly (P , 0.001) between the group with no OH (25.2 ± 4.8) and the group with combined systolic and diastolic OH (22.0 ± 4.8). Conclusion: Patients with DLB showed a greater proportion of combined systolic and diastolic hypotension. This might suggest a more complex OH than in patients with AD or elderly controls, possibly exacerbating the clinical picture in DLB. Further investigations of the relevance of these findings and the relation to clinical symptoms are needed.

Counteracting Effect of Supine Leg Resistance Exercise on Systolic Orthostatic Hypotension in Older Adults

To assess the efficacy of a leg exercise performed in supine position to prevent orthostatic hypotension (OH) in older adults. Case-control study. Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Scientific Institute of Veruno, Veruno, Italy. Individuals aged 65 and older admitted with degenerative joint disease screened (n = 90) and found positive for OH (n = 42). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded using an automatic oscillometric device in the supine position after 10 minutes of bed rest; immediately upon standing up; and after 1, 3 and 5 minutes standing. In 42 participants, a fall in SBP of 20 mmHg or more within 3 minutes of standing was found. Participants with OH were alternately assigned to the control or exercise group. The following day, both groups were reassessed as above. In the exercise group, before standing up, participants were required to perform 10 full extensions of the lower limbs, starting from 60° flexion of hip and 90° flexion of knee and ankle joints, against the resistance of an elastic band. In both participant groups, SBP, DBP, and HR were similar in the supine position. When standing, the same decrease in SBP and DBP and increase in HR occurred over a similar time-course in both participant groups. The next day, the reduction in SBP was significantly smaller at each time interval after standing up in the exercise than in the control group, but no difference between the exercise and control groups was observed in DBP or HR. Supine leg exercise is effective in reducing an initial fall in SBP when passing from a supine to an upright position in older adults. The duration of the effect requires further investigation.

Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Resistant Hypertension among Treated Hypertensive Subjects

We assessed prevalence and clinical characteristics of resistant hypertension (RH) and prevalence of false RH (white-coat effect [WCE] by home blood pressure [BP] monitoring), among a population of 302 treated hypertensive patients, mean age 66.6 (±13.8), 67.5% women. Resistant hypertension was defined according to the American Heart Association criteria. Prevalence of RH was 10%, and the following five variables were independently associated with it: body mass index, diabetes, isolated systolic hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, and use of beta-blockers. Prevalence of WCE among subjects with office-RH was 27.6%. Our study identified easily measurable parameters related to RH. Standing BP should be systematically measured in individuals with RH.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and mortality in relation to age, blood pressure and frailty

Systolic hypertension and OH, as with many other deficits, accumulate with age. This deficit accumulation results in frailty: enhanced vulnerability to adverse outcomes. This study evaluated OH in relation to age, frailty, systolic hypertension, and mortality. In the population-based Canadian Study of Health and Aging second clinical examination, complete data were available on 1347 people, mean age=83.3 (SD=6.4)years. A frailty index (FI) was calculated from a 52-item Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), yielding an FI-CGA from 0 (no deficits) to 1.0 (52 deficits). The mean change in blood pressure from lying to standing was 7.3±15.6mmHg (range +94 to −60). In total, 239 people (17.7%) had OH (change >20mmHg systolic or >10mmHg diastolic). Mean systolic blood pressure was higher (155.8±23.3mmHg) in people with OH than in those without (141.4±23mmHg), as was the FI-CGA (0.18 vs. 0.16). OH increased with frailty and systolic hypertension, but not age. Unadjusted, OH was associated with an increased risk of death (relative risk=1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.19–1.23). Adjusted for frailty, this result was not significant. OH may be a marker of the system dysregulation seen in frailty, but as a state variable is a less powerful marker of vulnerability than is the FI-CGA.

Hypertension, Orthostatic Hypotension, and the Risk of Falls in a Community-Dwelling Elderly Population: The Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly of Boston Study

To investigate the relationships between uncontrolled and controlled hypertension, orthostatic hypotension (OH), and falls in participants of the Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly of Boston Study (N=722, mean age 78.1). Prospective population-based study. Community. Seven hundred twenty-two adults aged 70 and older living within a 5-mile radius of the study headquarters at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at baseline in the supine position and after 1 and 3 minutes of standing. Systolic OH (SOH) and diastolic OH at 1 and 3 minutes were defined as a 20-mmHg decline in systolic BP and a 10-mmHg decline in diastolic BP upon standing. Hypertension was defined as BP of 140/90 mmHg or greater or receiving antihypertensive medications (controlled if BP < 140/90 mmHg and uncontrolled if ≥ 140/90 mmHg). Falls data were prospectively collected using monthly calendars. Fallers were defined as those with at least two falls within 1 year of follow-up. OH was highest in participants with uncontrolled hypertension; SOH at 1 minute was 19% in participants with uncontrolled hypertension, 5% in those with controlled hypertension, and 2% in those without hypertension (P ≤ .001)). Participants with SOH at 1 minute and uncontrolled hypertension were at greater risk of falls (hazard ratio=2.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-5.0) than those with uncontrolled hypertension without OH. OH by itself was not associated with falls. Older adults with uncontrolled hypertension and SOH at 1 minute are at greater risk for falling within 1 year. Hypertension control, with or without OH, is not associated with greater risk of falls in older community-dwelling adults.

A study of orthostatic hypotension, heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity in late-life depression

BackgroundTo determine if subjects with late-life depression have significant cardiovascular autonomic abnormalities (orthostatic blood pressure drop, heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity). MethodsA case–control study, in secondary care facilities, of forty two older (>60years) individuals with lifetime history of major depression and 31 age and sex matched comparison subjects. Autonomic function was assessed by measuring postural blood pressure, heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity using non-invasive beat-to-beat blood pressure and continuous ECG monitoring (Task Force® Monitor, CNSystems, Graz, Austria). The main outcome measures were maximal reduction in systolic blood pressure with active stand, low frequency and high frequency heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity using the sequence method. ResultsParticipants with depression had a significantly larger drop in systolic blood pressure on standing from a supine position. Depression was an independent predictor for developing systolic orthostatic hypotension. Depressed participants also had lower low frequency heart rate variability and lower baroreflex sensitivity. LimitationsThis was a cross-sectional and observational study; longitudinal effects or causality cannot be inferred from the findings and we could not distinguish state from trait related changes. ConclusionsLate-life depression has been associated with vascular disease but previous studies examining vascular risk factors have been inconsistent. Brain MRI white matter hyperintensities are ischemic and increased in late-life depression and associated with orthostatic blood pressure drops in animals. The presence of autonomic abnormalities in late-life depression may partly explain these inconsistencies and be associated with the development of brain white matter hyperintensities.

Orthostatic Hypotension Is a More Robust Predictor of Cardiovascular Events Than Nighttime Reverse Dipping in Elderly

Aims of the study were to assess in an elderly population the prevalences of orthostatic hypotension at different times after standing and of nighttime reverse dipping on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, as well as their interrelationships and relative prognostic power for incident cardiovascular events. The study population consisted of 374 patients (225 women), aged 70.2+/-8.5 years, registered in 1 primary care practice and without major cardiovascular events or other comorbidities at baseline. They experienced 76 first cardiovascular events (death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) during 3406 years of follow-up. Systolic/diastolic orthostatic hypotension, defined as a decrease of systolic/diastolic blood pressure of >or=20/>or=10 mm Hg, was present in 24.0%/13.3% of the patients immediately after standing, and in, respectively, 18.1%/10.5% and 12.4%/11.6% after 1 and 2 minutes, whereas systolic/diastolic reverse dipping occurred in 14.4%/9.5%. Orthostatic hypotension was 2 to 3 times more prevalent in reverse dippers than in dippers (P<or=0.01). Systolic orthostatic hypotension was a significant and independent predictor of cardiovascular events, which was stronger during recovery than immediately after standing; in Cox regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratio amounted to 2.38 (P<0.01) after 2 minutes. The independent predictive power of diastolic orthostatic hypotension was only significant soon after standing (P<0.05). Systolic and diastolic reverse dipping carried prognostic significance in univariable analyses (P<0.001) but not after adjustment for confounders, including 24-hour blood pressure. We conclude that orthostatic hypotension contributes to the phenomenon of reverse dipping but is a more robust predictor of cardiovascular events than reverse dipping in the elderly of the current study.

Unexplained syncope—is screening for carotid sinus hypersensitivity indicated in all patients aged >40 years?

Objective: To determine the frequency, age distribution and clinical presentation of carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) among 373 patients (age range 15–92 years) referred to two autonomic referral centres during a...

Orthostatic hypotension in acute geriatric ward: is it a consistent finding?

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common finding among older patients. We designed a study to examine the prevalence and consistency of OH during the day. A total of 502 inpatients (241 men and 261 women) with a mean age of 81.6 years were included in the study. Orthostatic tests were performed 3 times during the day, 30 minutes after meals. In 13 patients only 2 sets of measurements were obtained, and they were omitted from some of the calculations. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a fall of at least 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and/or 10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure on assuming an upright posture. Three hundred thirty-two (67.9%) of 489 patients experienced OH at least once during the day. Of these, 170 patients (34.8% of the 489) had OH at least twice (persistent OH) and 162 patients (33.1%) experienced OH only once (variable OH). Diastolic OH was more prevalent than systolic OH (57.3% vs 43.4%; P<.001). The intraindividual consistency of OH was low (kappa = 0.2). Orthostatic hypotension was observed less frequently during the evening than during the morning and afternoon (P<.05 vs morning and P =.003 vs afternoon). The difference between meals' constituents (light vs heavy meals) did not affect the prevalence of OH. Orthostatic hypotension is very common in the elderly, and diastolic OH is more common than systolic OH. The prevalence of OH is the lowest during the evening, and meals do not increase the prevalence of OH. The intraindividual consistency of OH during the day is poor. Thus, in elderly patients, more attention should be paid to diastolic OH and the diagnosis should be based on repeated measurements.

Prevalencia de hipotensión ortostática en ancianos hipertensos tratados en atención primaria

To find the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) and associated factors in elderly hypertensive patients in a primary care setting. Descriptive cross-sectional study. La Marina Health Centre (an urban centre in Santander). A random sample of 295 patients aged 65 years or older regularly assisted from hypertension. Measurements of sitting and standing blood pressure were obtained. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as 20 mmHg or greater decrease in systolic or 10 mmHg or greater decrease in diastolic blood pressure after 1-minute or 5-minute standing. Associated diseases, symptoms upon standing, medication use, habits and other clinical assessments were also recorded. The prevalence of OH was 14.6%. The prevalence of systolic OH after 1-minute (OH-S1) and after 5-minute (OH-S5) standing was 5.8% in both, and the diastolic OH was 5.1% after 1-minute (OH-D1) and 4.1% after 5-minute (OH-D5) standing. By logistic regression analysis, association between higher level of systolic blood pressure and global OH was found, also with the presence of orthostatic intolerance symptoms (although only 25.6% of the patients with OH showed symptoms) and smoking. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (different from dihydropyridines) use was associated with OH after 1-minute standing and smoking with OH after 5-minute standing. The detected prevalence is high and justifies the case finding of OH in elderly hypertensive patients in primary care. The symptoms of orthostatic intolerance are correlated with OH, but only 1 out of 4 patients showed symptoms. Smoking could be related with OH, so beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (different from dihydropyridines) use.

Orthostatic hypotension as a risk factor for stroke: the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study, 1987-1996.

The association between orthostatic hypotension (OH) and stroke has rarely been investigated in longitudinal studies. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether OH predicts ischemic stroke in a middle-aged, biethnic population after adjustment for known stroke risk factors. Diastolic, systolic, and consensus OH were evaluated for baseline associations and for the ability to predict stroke. In 11 707 persons from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort who were free of stroke and overt heart disease at baseline, Cox proportional hazards analyses modeled the association between OH at baseline and incident ischemic stroke over 7.9 years of follow-up. OH was defined as a systolic blood pressure drop >/=20 mm Hg (systolic OH), a diastolic blood pressure drop >/=10 mm Hg (diastolic OH), or a drop in either (consensus OH) when a person changed from a supine to standing position. OH was predictive of ischemic stroke, even after adjustment for numerous stroke risk factors (consensus OH: hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.2). While the baseline characteristics associated with OH varied depending on the type of OH, all types of OH had a similar risk of stroke. OH is an easily obtained measurement that may help to identify middle-aged persons at risk for stroke.

Prognosis of diastolic and systolic orthostatic hypotension in older persons.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) predicts mortality in hypertensive persons with diabetes mellitus, but no increase in mortality has been found among random samples of home-dwelling persons with OH. We examined the risks of nonvascular and vascular deaths according to different definitions of OH among home-dwelling elderly persons. The study population consisted of all persons aged 70 years or older living in 5 rural municipalities (N=969), of whom 833 (86%) participated. Orthostatic tests were successfully carried out in 792 persons by nurse examiners. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) drop of 20 mm Hg or more or a diastolic BP drop of 10 mm Hg or more 1 minute or 3 minutes after standing up. Nonvascular and vascular deaths during the follow-up period were recorded. Data on diseases, symptoms, medications, the results of clinical examinations and tests, functional ability, and health behavior were collected at the beginning of the follow-up period. Of the sample, 30% had OH: the prevalence of systolic OH 1 minute and 3 minutes after standing up was 22% and 19%, respectively; that of diastolic OH 1 minute and 3 minutes after standing up was 6% for each. No differences in the occurrence of nonvascular deaths were found according to any of these definitions. By Cox multivariate regression analysis, the hazard ratio of vascular death associated with a diastolic BP reduction of 1 mm Hg 1 minute after standing up was 1.02 (P=.03), adjusted for systolic BP postural changes at 1 and 3 minutes and a diastolic BP change at 3 minutes. Adjusted for other significant factors associated with vascular death, the hazard ratio for vascular death associated with diastolic OH 1 minute after standing up was 2.04 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-4.15). The corresponding hazard ratio for systolic OH 3 minutes after standing up was 1.69 (95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.80). Using a cutoff point of 7 mm Hg or greater for a diastolic BP change 1 minute after standing up, the hazard ratio for vascular death was highest: 2.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-3.93). By logistic regression analysis, the baseline associates of diastolic OH 1 minute after standing up were dizziness when turning the neck (odds ratio [OR], 2.44), the use of a calcium antagonist (OR, 2.31), the use of a diuretic medication (OR, 2.29), a high systolic BP (OR, 2.23), and a low body mass index (OR, 2.26). The baseline associates of systolic OH 3 minutes after standing up were male sex (OR, 1.52), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.92), a high systolic BP (OR, 2.91), and a low body mass index (OR, 1.68). The presence of diastolic OH 1 minute and systolic OH 3 minutes after standing up predict vascular death in older persons. They differ from each other in their prevalence and in several associates, suggesting different pathophysiologic backgrounds. Clinicians should prescribe vasodilating and volume-depleting medications with caution for elderly persons with diastolic OH 1 minute after standing up. Appropriate treatment of hypertension might be the best means to manage the different types of OH with poor vascular prognoses.

Orthostatic Blood Pressure Changes on Prolonged Standing in Elderly Hospital In-Patients

Fotherby M, Iqbal P, Potter J. Orthostatic blood pressure changes on prolonged standing in elderly hospital in-patients.To determine early and delayed orthostatic BP responses in elderly hospitalized patients on prolonged standing, 85 patients, including normotensive and hypertensive persons, both treated and untreated, aged between 60 and 90 years, were studied. Following 10 min rest a series of nine supine BP measurements were undertaken, first with a mercury sphygmomanometer, immediately followed by an automatic oscillometric BP monitor (SpaceLabs 90207), then again by the sphygmomanometer. Patients then stood and the series of BP measurements was repeated, giving a total of nine standing BP determinations at 1 min intervals. Orthostatic BP measurements recorded by both devices were assessed at 1-3 min (early phase), 4-6 min (mid-phase), and 7-9 min (late phase). The orthostatic fall in SBP was greater during the late than early phase when measured by both the sphygmomanometer (-7.5±14.9 vs -2.6±10.3 mmHg; difference 4.9±8.7mmHg, P<0.001, 95% CI: 3.0, 6.7 mmHg) and the automatic monitor (-3.5±16.9 vs 0.5±14.5 mmHg, difference 4.0±11.6 mmHg; p=0.002, CI: 1.5,6.5 mmHg). Orthostatic changes in DBP were similar during early and late phases. More patients had systolic orthostatic hypotension (SBP fall ≥20 mmHg on standing) measured by the sphygmomanometer during the late than early phase (19 [22%] vs 6 [7%]; respectively, p=0.009), but not when measured by the monitor (10 [12%] vs 9 [11%], respectively). Many hospitalized elderly patients may exhibit systolic orthostatic hypotension as measured by sphygmomanometry only after prolonged (≥ 7 min) standing.

A model of risk of falling for psychogeriatric patients.

One hundred community-dwelling psychiatric outpatients, 60 years and older, were evaluated for factors associated with symptoms of dizziness, falling, and orthostatic hypotension. Thirty-nine percent complained of dizziness or falling, and 34% had systolic orthostatic hypotension. Together, systolic and diastolic blood pressure drop, type of somatic illness, type and number of drugs, and psychiatric diagnosis accounted for 50% of the variance in dizziness and falling. Type of illness, drug category, and psychiatric diagnosis accounted for only 19% of the variance in orthostatic hypotension. Statistical analysis showed that systolic orthostatic hypotension, disease classification, and type and number of drugs taken contribute independently to dizziness and falling. In geriatric psychiatric patients, careful attention to orthostatic hypotension, concurrent somatic illness, and number and type of medication is essential to the prevention of dizziness, falling, and their consequences.

Haemodynamics in Patients with Phaeochromocytoma

1. Cardiac haemodynamics were studied in 14 male patients with phaeochromocytoma, in comparison with 33 normal male subjects and 65 males with essential hypertension. 2. At the time of investigation, seven patients with phaeochromocytoma were hypertensive and seven were normotensive. Cardiac output was within normal limits. Total peripheral resistance was elevated in the hypertensive patients. Heart rate was elevated both in the normotensive and in the hypertensive patients, but decreased after surgical treatment. 3. The relationships between blood volume and blood pressure and between blood volume and cardiac output were the same as those observed in the control groups. 4. During tilt, a predominant systolic orthostatic hypotension was observed and was associated with decreased stroke volume and impaired adaptation of total peripheral resistance during tilt, indicating inadequate arteriolar and venous reflexes. 5. The study suggested that, except for tachycardia, the haemodynamic pattern of patients with phaeochromocytoma and with essential hypertension was nearly the same.

Dizziness and falling in elderly psychiatric outpatients

The authors examined 100 psychiatric patients who were 60 years old and older for orthostatic hypotension and symptoms of dizziness and falling. Almost 40% of the patients complained of dizziness and falling, although only 27% had systolic orthostatic hypotension. Drug treatment, particularly the combination of tricyclics with other orthostatic hypotension-inducing drugs, was the most important factor accounting for the dizziness and falling. Underlying medical illness, particularly heart disease, also correlated significantly with the patients' symptoms.