Orthostatic hypotension,an often-neglected problem in community-dwelling older people:discrepancies between studies and real life

Orthostatic hypotension (OH)is a common condition in older persons.According to the 2011criteria,OH is defined by a sustained reduction of systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or a 10mmHg-fall of diastolic blood pressure,[1] Its prevalence increases with age and according to a recent systematic review the pooled prevalence in community dwelling older people is 22.2%.[2]Although OH is largely explained by concurrent clinical conditions (in particular, hypertension,diabetes,malnutrition,vascular encephalopa- thy,anemia,Parkinson's disease)[3],aging per se determines a series of physiological dysfunctions potentially representing its biological substratum (e.g.,reduction in barore- flex-mediated cardiovascular function,altered salt and water balance at renal level,impaired cardiac diastolic filling).It is also noteworthy that age-related changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drugs (especially in the context of polypharmacy)also increase the risk of OH.

Orthostatic hypertension and adverse clinical outcomes in adults and older people

Orthostatic hypertension(OHT)is a condition characterized by an increase in blood pressure after assuming the standing position.[1]Nowadays no consensus definition exists,thus OHT prevalence varies among studies(4%-20.3%).