Orthostatic hypotension in hypertensive patients: prevalence and contributing
factors

S.ARIOUA, M.ZTATI, L.BENDRISS, A.KHATOURI
Page No. 1-6

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, contributing factors and
complications of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in hypertensive patients followed in cardiology
consultation. Subjects and methods: This is a prospective study from January 1st 2015 to August
1st 2015 in the cardiology consultation of Avicenna military hospital, including patients regularly
treated for hypertension. Blood pressure was measured in supine and upright posture in 3 min.
Results: in a population of 200 hypertensive patients, 20 cases of OH, 10% were observed,
including 16 patients(80%) were symptomatic. Patients who have an OH had a mean age
significantly over 60 years, with no significant sex difference (p> 0.05). OH was more common in
patients treated with diuretic, patients who have diabetes or antecedent of stroke. Conclusion:
Orthostatic hypotension is common in hypertensive people, it must be systematically sought,
especially in uncontrolled hypertension, in the elderly, diabetics, obese and those with a
cardiovascular history.
Keywords : Orthostatic hypotension, hypertension, consultation.