Changes in frequency of orthostatic hypotension in elderly hypertensive patients under medications.

To evaluate changes in frequency of orthostatic blood pressure (BP) reduction (orthostatic hypotension; OH) in elderly hypertensive patients (HT) before and after treatment for hypertension, we measured BP after supine for 10 min and standing position for 2 min, before and after treatment for 2 years by five kinds of antihypertensive drugs in 50 elderly normotensive subjects (NT) and each of 50 HT in double-blind study. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as 10% or more decline of supine mean BP, and the frequency of OH was in 27% of HT following BP reduction by any kinds of antihypertensive drugs. In conclusion, the reducing or normalized BP by treatment for hypertension in elderly HT decreases the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes