The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in high-risk ambulatory elders.

1. Orthostatic hypotension may be a serious threat, especially among the elderly. It may be characterized as a change in diastolic or systolic blood pressure, a narrowing of pulse pressure, or tachycardia. 2. Physiological changes of aging super-imposed on illness or the use of medications appear to contribute to the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and its symptoms. It is the combination of known risk factors of debility, medications, and common geriatric illnesses, such as diabetes, that notably create the symptoms. 3. Nurses can do much to reduce the associated symptoms and threat of synergistic effects on blood pressure. Careful measurements of blood pressure and pulse in various positions should be incorporated into routine nursing practice. Management of patients with orthostatic hypotension necessitates that nursing interventions be aimed at preventing injuries from associated falls.