High prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and its correlation with potentially causative medications among elderly veterans

摘要: Summary Background:  Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a reduction of systolic blood pressure at least 20 mmHg, or diastolic 10 mmHg from sitting to standing position. It common physical finding among older adults and associated with significant morbidity mortality. Use medications that have the potential induce OH, particularly concomitant use several such medications, major factor for development OH. Objectives:  To describe prevalence symptomatic asymptomatic OH in veterans aged 75 years attending geriatric clinic, assess association between number potentially causative used. Methods:  Charts all patients who attended VA clinic (Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center) during period 1 June 2002 2003 were reviewed retrospectively (i) i.e. reported cause 1% general population available formulary, (ii) presence absence (iii) OH. Patients primary autonomic dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, unable stand, had no assessment both other reasons excluded. Results:  A total 505 individual study period, 342 fit inclusion criteria. About 189 these (55%) Among 61 (33%) symptomatic, including 52 falls. The receiving zero, one, two, three more was 35, 58, 60 65% respectively. Receiving hydrochlorothiazide highest (65%), followed by lisinopril (60%), trazodone (58%), furosemide (56%) terazosin (54%). Conclusion:  very high significantly related concurrent used. Providers should be educated reduce amount elderly better which necessary avoid