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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile mild forms of orthostatic hypotension may be a nuisance, more-serious complications are possible, especially in older adults. These complications include:
- Falls. Falling down as a result of fainting (syncope) is a common complication in people with orthostatic hypotension.
- Stroke. The swings in blood pressure when you stand and sit as a result of orthostatic hypotension can be a risk factor for stroke due to the reduced blood supply to the brain.
References
- Orthostatic hypotension. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/sec07/ch069/ch069d.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Hypotension. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hyp/hyp_all.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Kaufmann H, et al. Mechanisms, causes, and evaluation of orthostatic and postprandial hypotension. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Low blood pressure. The American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure...re_UCM_301785_Article.jsp. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Bradley JG, et al. Orthostatic hypotension. American Family Physician. 2003;68:2393.
- Low PA, et al. Management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: An update. Lancet Neurology. 2008;7:451.
- Kaufmann H, et al. Treatment of orthostatic and postprandial hypotension. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
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