Orthostatic Hypotension in the Nursing Home Setting

Orthostatic hypotension is a common condition among nursing home (NH) residents. NH residents tend to have multiple disease processes and tend to be on multiple medications associated with orthostatic hypotension and are predisposed to a myriad of negative clinical consequences, most notably falls. This article discusses a commonsense approach to diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of patients with this disorder, with an emphasis on nonpharmacological interventions, such as patient and staff education.

Keywords:  Orthostatic hypotension , postural hypotension , nursing home , long-term care facility