Orthostatic hypotension

Question 1

Who is this common in?

Answer 1

Older people and patients who have neurodegenerative disease (e.g. parkinson’s), diabetes or hypertension

Question 2

What iatrogenic cause could there be?

Answer 2

Alpha-blockers (e.g. for benign prostatic hyperplasia)

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

• a drop in BP (usually >20/10 mm Hg) within three minutes of standing
• presyncope (lightheadedness)
• syncope

Question 4

Management?

Answer 4

Midodrine and fludrocortisone