2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
1 Update on General Medicine
Chapter 3: Hypertension
Special Considerations
Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a postural drop in systolic blood pressure of more than 10 mm Hg associated with dizziness or fainting. It occurs more frequently in older patients with systolic hypertension; in patients with diabetes mellitus; and in those taking diuretics, vasodilators, or certain psychotropic drugs. In these individuals, BP should be monitored while they are in the upright position, and hypovolemia should be avoided. Also, medication dosages should be carefully titrated and various shorter-acting drugs considered for these patients.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 1 - Update on General Medicine. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.