-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
cardiovascular system
hypotension
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
not a disease entity in itself, but a manifestation of irregularities in BP regulation

etiology:
This condition is often caused by drug or disease interference with the autonomic nervous system or a frank lack of blood volume. There are many specific underlying causes which the physician must identify. When low grade orthostatic hypotension exists, it is often ignored by patient and doctor, but should not be, as it is a clear warning sign of underlying problems.

signs and symptoms

orthostatic hypotension
: diminished ability of the body to respond to the pressure changes in the vascular system when a person rises to a standing position; often caused by drug or disease interference with the autonomic nervous system or reduced blood volume.

signs and symptoms:
faintness, lightheadedness, mental or visual blurring, and less often, syncope or seizures

neuropathic hypotension: from diseases involving the autonomic system, including:
• diabetes mellitus
• amyloidosis
• porphyria
• syphilis
• pernicious anemia
• uremia
• Parkinson's disease
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Riley-Day syndrome (familial dysautotonia)
• Shy-Drager syndrome
• idiopathic orthostatic hypotension

lab findings:
• rule out the above with CBC, chem screen, UA and other tests as indicated

course and prognosis

• prognosis depends upon the underlying cause

differential diagnosis

• orthostatic hypotension
• drug-induced hypotension
• nephrotic syndrome hypotension
• neuropathic hypotension
• anemia/hypovolemia
• Shy-Drager syndrome
• idiopathic orthostatic hypotension


footnotes