Prevalence of postural hypotension in patients with treated hypertension

Anna Grześkowiak; Agnieszka Rojek; Anna Szyndler; Katarzyna Śmiałek; Radosław Szczęch; Marzena Chrostowska; Krzysztof Narkiewicz

Vol 9, No 6 (2005)

Original paper

Published online: 2005-12-13

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Prevalence of postural hypotension in patients with treated hypertension

Anna Grześkowiak, Agnieszka Rojek, Anna Szyndler, Katarzyna Śmiałek, Radosław Szczęch, Marzena Chrostowska, Krzysztof Narkiewicz

Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2005;9(6):452-457.

Vol 9, No 6 (2005)

Prace oryginalne

Published online: 2005-12-13

Abstract

Background The presence of hypertension, antihypertensive therapy and elderly age are well known as common causes of orthostatic hypotension. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between postural hypotension and age, gender, BMI, visceral obesity and glucose tolerance in hypertensive patients.
Material and methods A total of 250 patients (125 females and 125 males) with history of hypertension were recruited for the study. The collected data included standing and supine blood pressure measurements, glucose level, BMI and waist circumference. The data were analyzed using criteria of 20 mm Hg and 10 mm Hg SBP decreases in response to standing.
Results Mean blood pressure decrease did not depend on age, sex, BMI, presence of visceral obesity or glucose level. SBP pressure decrease of 10 mm Hg was more prevalent in older (> 60 yrs) and obese (BMI > 30 kg/m²) patients. There was a trend towards the correlation of 10 mm Hg SBP decrease with visceral obesity and impaired glucose levels. There were no other statistically significant correlation between PH and investigated variables.
Conclusions 1. SBP decrease of 20 mm Hg is not sensitive enough to diagnose postural hypotension among patients with hypertension.
2. Prevalence of 10 mm Hg SBP decrease in response to standing is related to age and BMI, but not to visceral obesity or to blood glucose level.
3. Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in the present study was less common than that suggested by earlier studies. This might be attributed to more favorable farmacokinetic profile of newer anti-hypertensive drugs.