Non-drug treatment of Orthostatic hypotension

With thanks to Professor Chris Mathias, Imperial College London

Correct:       hypovolaemia  

                    anaemia

Avoid:         drugs likely to lower blood pressure

                    standing up quickly

                    straining at stool

                    hot baths

                    large meals - especially refined carbohydrate rich food

                    excessive alcohol

                    prolonged standing

                    severe exertion

Introduce:    Head-up sleeping - raise the head of the bed by 10º

                    small frequent meals

                    increased salt intake

                    judicious exercise

                    counter physical manoeuvres

Consider:    Compression stockings

                    abdominal binders

                    anti-gravity suit if very symptomatic and all else fails

                    oral water ingestion - 400 mls significantly increases BP  in autonomic failure

 Last updated 19/01/2008