[Postprandial hypotension: an unclear clinical entity]

Abstract

Postprandial hypotension (PPH) is a clinical entity considered to affect above all elderly people with hypertension. It is equally common in diastolic heart failure, Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus and autonomic dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on a minimum of 20 mmHg drop of the systolic blood pressure oron a symptomatic systolic blood pressure decrease within 2 hours of the meal. Post-prandial dizziness, fatigue, syncope and falls must raise suspicion for this entity. Although more frequent than orthostatic hypotension, PPH is less searched for. Socio-economical repercussions associated to falls require a better screening of PPH in hospital and ambulatory conditions.