Orthostatic hypotension, a decline in erect blood pressure, is the result of an impaired hemodynamic response to an upright posture or a depletion intravascular volume. The measurement of orthostatic blood pressure can be done at the bedside and therefore is easily applied to several clinical disorders. Despite its usefulness, the measurement is often neglected, possibly because of confusion regarding the appropriate measurement technique and suitable application to patient care. Pertinent recent medical literature was reviewed. The normal physiologic response to the assumption of an upright posture is a small drop in blood pressure and a slight rise in pulse rate.
Orthostatic hypotension is detected by measurement of blood pressure in two or more body positions.
The measurement of orthostatic blood pressure is an essential clinical tool for the assessment and management of patients affected by common medical disorders. Alan K. Halperin, D. Michael Elnicki, H.Carl Palmer, Carla J. See, Shelley Nuss, Maria M. Kolar, and Dawn Bell Background. Despite recognition of modifiable risk factors and available and effective life-style and pharmacologic therapies, many individuals have unrecognized or untreated risk factors for coronary artery disease. We carefully reviewed the literature and statistics on modifiable risk factors and identified appropriate physician interventions. A large amount of information is available on coronary artery disease and modifiable risk factors.