SPECIFIC ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION CAUSES
SPECIFIC ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION CAUSES
- Medications: beta-blockers, TCAs, anti-hypertensives, diuretics, dopaminergic agonists, levodopa, nitrates
- Medical conditions: heart failure, arrhythmias, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia, POTS
- Environmental: prolonged standing/sitting, hot environments, mornings
SPECIFIC SIGNS & SYMPTOMS THAT CAN AID IN DIAGNOSIS
Non-syncopal:
- Epilepsy/seizures: post-ictal confusion, tongue biting, eye-rolling, incontinence, déjà vu
- Psychogenic: eyes open, duration >5 mins
Life-threatening causes:
- Cardiac: chest pain, palpitations, SOB
- AAA: abdominal/back pain
- Cardiac tamponade: distended neck veins, pain radiating to neck/shoulders/back, relief on sitting forward
Reflex causes:
- Vasovagal prodrome: sweating, SOB, palpitations, feeling hot, chest pain
- Situational triggers: cough, swallowing, defecation, micturition
- Cardiac sinus syndrome: Head movement/neck pressure