Orthostatic hypotension. Causes, evaluation, and management.

Chronic orthostatic hypotension is caused by a variety of disorders. Frequently patients withdraw from social interactions, are prone to adverse drug reactions and inappropriate diagnoses, and are bed-bound by the time of diagnosis. Applying basic principles of cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology usually permits these patients to lead active lives and to live longer. Much of the management is based on common sense and knowledge of the basic pathophysiology of the disorder and depends on thorough patient education and close monitoring of blood pressure in many of the activities of daily living.