Orthostatic hypotension in healthy elderly: Is it a myth?

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common among older people and is more prevalent in elderly with various disorders and on medications. AIMS: The objective of the study was to know the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in healthy geriatric subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of healthy non hypertensive, non diabetic elderly individuals aged 60 years and above (n=80) and another group, healthy aged 30 to 50 years age (n=80, mean age39.2±5.3). Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a decline in systolic/diastolic blood pressure of ≥20/10 mmHg when an individual changed from a supine to a standing position within 3 minutes of standing. Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure was measured in supine position and within 3 minutes of standing. RESULTS: 1 out of 80 (1.25%) in the elderly subjects was found to have orthostatic hypotension. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the orthostatic hypotension is less prevalent in healthy elderly subjects without any illness or without on any medications.