Via practica 11/2006

DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPY OF HYPOTENSION IN GENERAL PRACTITIONER`S OFFICE

Hypotension is a common clinical situation. Less severe form of hypotension is manifested by exxagerated decline in blood pressure during standing – i.e. orthostatic hypotension. from clinical point of view acute and chronic hypotension can be recognised. several potential causes of hypotension include hypovolemia, medication, cardiovascular, endocrine and neurological disorders. Important cause is the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Diagnostic methods include schellong test, head-up tilt test, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and autonomic testing. symptomatic treatment is based on increased fluid intake, elastic stockings and other nonpharmacologic measures. fludrocortisone and midodrine is most commonly used pharmacologic treatment.

Keywords: orthostatic hypotension, autonomic nervous system, head-up tilt test, schellong test.