management
Last reviewed 07/2023
Treatment is determined by cause e.g. non-neurogenic causes treatment is directed towards replacing the pathophysiological deficit (e.g. repletion of intravascular volume in chronic GI bleed or treatment of Addison's disease).
Treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension is less straightforward and involves treatment of the underlying disorder and ameliorating and prevention of episodes of hypotension. Drug treatment may occasionally be required.
The patient should be advised to avoid sudden head-up postural change and other factors that may precipitate hypotension e.g. straining during micturition.
If the diagnosis is unclear then further investigation and management often requires referral to a specialist centre.