Orthostatic hypotension predicts all-cause mortality and coronary events in middle-aged individuals (The Malmo Preventive Project)

Abstract

Aims: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) has been linked to increased mortality and incidence of cardiovascular disease in various risk groups, but determinants and consequences of OH in the general population are poorly studied.

Methods and results: Prospective data of the Swedish 'Malmö Preventive Project' (n = 33 346, 67.3% men, mean age 45.7 +/- 7.4 years, mean follow-up 22.7 +/- 6.0 years) were analysed. Orthostatic hypotension was found in 6.2% of study participants and was associated with age, female gender, hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, increased heart rate, diabetes, low BMI, and current smoking. In Cox regression analysis, individuals with OH had significantly increased all-cause mortality (in particular those aged less than 42 years) and coronary event (CE) risk. Mortality and CE risk were distinctly higher in those with systolic blood pressure (BP) fall >or=30 mmHg [hazard ratio (HR): 1.6, 95% CI 1.3-1.9, P < 0.0001 and 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1, P = 0.001] and diastolic BP fall >or=15 mmHg (HR: 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, P = 0.024 and 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.5, P = 0.01). In addition, impaired diastolic BP response had relatively greater impact (per mmHg) on CE incidence than systolic reaction.

Conclusion: Orthostatic hypotension can be detected in approximately 6% of middle-aged individuals and is often associated with such comorbidities as hypertension or diabetes. Presence of OH increases mortality and CE risk, independently of traditional risk factors. Although both impaired systolic and diastolic responses predict adverse events, the diastolic impairment shows stronger association with coronary disease.

Figure 1

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and all-cause mortality. One Minus Survival Function adjusted for age, gender, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, total cholesterol, smoking, and previous cancer.

Figure 2

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and coronary events. One Minus Coronary Event–Free Survival Function adjusted for age, gender, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, total cholesterol, and smoking.

Figure 3

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and stroke. One Minus Stroke Event–Free Survival Function adjusted for age, gender, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, total cholesterol, and smoking.

Figure 4

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and composite endpoint (CE, stroke, and death). One Minus Event–Free Survival Function adjusted for age, gender, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, total cholesterol, and smoking.