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Case Reports
. 1994 Sep;70(827):638-42.
doi: 10.1136/pgmj.70.827.638.

Clinical presentation of orthostatic hypotension in the elderly

G M Craig  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Clinical presentation of orthostatic hypotension in the elderly

G M Craig. Postgrad Med J. 1994 Sep.

Abstract

Fifty cases of orthostatic hypotension in the elderly are analysed. Three main modes of presentation were identified: (1) falls or mobility problems; (2) mental confusion or dementia; or (3) predominantly cardiac symptoms. Selected case histories are given to illustrate diagnostic difficulties. Medication was responsible for orthostatic hypotension in 66% of patients and striking examples of polypharmacy were encountered. However, 34% of cases were not iatrogenic. Only 14% of patients had overtly postural symptoms. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose orthostatic hypotension in the elderly and the condition is often overlooked. The paper provides useful diagnostic clues for clinicians.

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