Clinical QuickieCardiac
Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a sign, not a diagnosis.
Confirm the pattern
Symptoms with position change plus an appropriate BP/HR response can support orthostatic physiology; technique and timing matter.
Volume is only one cause
Dehydration, blood loss, diuretics, vasodilators, autonomic dysfunction, deconditioning and medication burden are common contributors.
Use the heart-rate response
A robust HR increase may support volume-related physiology; a blunted response can suggest autonomic dysfunction or rate-limiting medication.
Treat the cause, not just the standing BP
Review fluids, medications, anemia/bleeding, autonomic disease and fall risk before simply adding salt or stopping therapy.
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