Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension: Preserving Function and Quality of Life

Margaret Grant, MD, FRCPC, Geriatrician and Medical Director, Geriatric Assessment Unit, Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga, ON.

This article focuses on the treatment of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in the elderly. OH is a common problem that can affect an elderly person's function and quality of life. A careful history and physical examination must be done to make an accurate diagnosis and to determine the causes of OH. Treatment should focus on the causes of OH. Both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions are reviewed.
Key words: orthostatic hypotension, fludrocortisone, midodrine, octreotide, erythropoietin.