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Problem: Orthostasis
(≥20mmHg drop in blood pressure) and
dizziness on standing, with use of a diuretic or antihypertensive drug
Goal:
No dizziness on standing and a smaller postural blood pressure drop
Solution:
Collect clinical details
• What symptoms of orthostasis does the patient have? • What is the patient’s blood pressure sitting (or lying) and standing? • What medications is the patient currently taking?

2. Inform
physician
• If only on antihypertensive:
a. Ask if doctor wants to consider any medication changes • If on antihypertensive and potentiating drug (see table of drugs):
a. Inform physician of potentiating drug(s) b. Ask if physician wants to consider any medication changes Ask for follow-up instructions
Discuss with patient/caregiver:
• Patient countermeasures, e.g. rise slowly, etc. (see Advice to Patient).
Repeat checks for orthostasis and related symptoms
Background Information
Facts:
1.
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as ≥20 mm Hg drop in systolic blood pressure on standing. The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension increases with advancing age. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly persons because it causes dizziness, fainting and falls. Patients may also develop a fear of falling and as a result, avoid activities. It is more common in those with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Not everyone with orthostasis has symptoms, and many people who feel dizzy on standing do not have a large postural drop in blood pressure. However, symptoms usually occur with pathological orthostasis. Orthostasis in elderly persons may be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes and other chronic diseases which affect the autonomic nervous system. However, several commonly used groups of drugs produce postural blood pressure changes (see Table) and drugs are the most important avoidable cause of orthostasis.
Guidelines for Use:
•
Drugs which may cause orthostasis should be started with low doses in elderly persons and increases in dose should be made in small increments. Postural blood pressure changes and symptoms should be monitored closely during dose changes. If possible, drugs should be taken at night while the patient is lying down. Be aware of other drugs the patient may be taking which can cause or increase hypotension or dizziness. In addition to the drugs listed in table 1 which cause orthostasis, sedatives, narcotic analgesics and alcohol may increase dizziness and unsteadiness. Any disease or condition which impairs mobility and results in periods of prolonged inactivity can produce orthostasis. A fall in blood pressure after a meal is common in elderly people. Symptomatic patients should be advised to avoid taking drugs which cause orthostasis before a meal. Small, frequent meals, a rest after eating and drinks containing caffeine (not recommended at night) may also help to reduce symptoms. Groups of drugs which can cause orthostasis
Examples
or make it worse
Generic name
Trade name
Antidepressants
cyclic antidepressants
Phenothiazines and other antipsychotics
Anti-Parkinson medications
Antihypertensives
alpha-adrenergic
blockers

beta-adrenergic
blockers
centrally acting drugs
Vasodilators
calcium channel
blockers
nitrates
Diuretics


References:
1.
Lipsitz LA. Orthostatic hypotension in the elderly. New Eng J Med 1989; 321: 952-
957.
Abrams WB, Beers MH, Berkow R. Merck Manual of Geriatrics. 2nd ed. Whitehouse Station NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1995. Shafler M. The Nurse, Pharmacology, and Drug Therapy. 2nd ed. California: Addison-Wesley Nursing, 1993. Tideiksaar R. Preventing falls: Home hazard checklists to help older patients protect
themselves. Geriatrics 1986; 41: 26-28.

Source: http://champ-live.ifactory.com/static/orthostasis.pdf