Standing Up Slowly Antagonises Initial Blood Pressure Decrease in Older Adults with Orthostatic Hypotension
Gerontology
Gerontology 2017;63:137-143
de Bruïne E.S., Reijnierse E.M., Trappenburg M.C., Pasma J.H., de Vries O.J., Meskers C.G.M., Maier A.B.
Abstract
Background:
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in older adults and associated with increased morbidity and mortality, loss of independence and high health-care costs. Standing up slowly is a recommended non-pharmacological intervention. However, the effectiveness of this advice has not been well studied.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate whether standing up slowly antagonises posture-related blood pressure (BP) decrease in a clinically relevant population of geriatric outpatients.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 24 community-dwelling older adults referred to a geriatric outpatient clinic and diagnosed with OH were included. BP was measured continuously during 3 consecutive transitions from supine to standing position during normal, slow and fast transition.
