[Prevalence and relations of orthostatic hypotension in patients 80 years old and over from a primary care unit].

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in patients 80 years old and over attending a primary care unit. To relate OH to the most prevalent pathologies and to the most used drugs.

DESIGN

Transversal observational study.

LOCATION: Primary care unit, Santiago de Compostela.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty one patients 80 years old or over representative of a primary care unit were recruited. Ten patients were excluded.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Blood pressure was measured in decubitus and later in erect position first immediately after standing and then after 3 minutes. Diagnoses and active treatments were reviewed in the electronic clinical history and through an interview with the patient and caregiver.

RESULTS

In 26.76% of patients the systolic blood pressure fell by 20mmHg or more and/or the diastolic blood pressure fell by 10mmHg in the instant following the postural shift. In 16.90% of patients the drop persisted after 3 minutes of standing from decubitus position. None of the patients was diagnosed with OH. The highest prevalence ratio was observed for diabetes mellitus (1.6; P=.412), not existing differences for arterial hypertension (P=.881). OH related in a statistically meaningful way to the use of renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors (OR: 8.174, CI95%: 1.182-56.536); P=.033] and benzodiazepines (OR: 5.938, CI95%: 1.242-28.397; P=.026)].

CONCLUSION

OH had a prevalence of 16.90% among the elderly patients who had a consultation. Its connection with some drugs (renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors and benzodiazepines) must be considered.