Orthostatic Hypotension
Pronunciation: or-thoh-STAT-ik hy-poh-TEN-shun
A sustained decrease in blood pressure upon assuming an upright posture, defined as a fall of ≥20 mmHg systolic or ≥10 mmHg diastolic, commonly encountered in rehabilitation patients on bed rest.
Full Definition
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a frequent complication in physical medicine and rehabilitation, particularly in patients with prolonged immobility, deconditioning, or spinal cord injury. It results from failure of the cardiovascular system to compensate adequately for gravitational blood redistribution on standing or tilting. In rehabilitation, it can limit early mobilisation and must be documented and managed before patients can participate in upright therapy activities such as standing frames or gait training. Editors reviewing therapy notes or physiatric progress reports must ensure the term is not confused with autonomic dysreflexia, which involves a hypertensive rather than hypotensive response.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from autonomic dysreflexia. 'Postural hypotension' is an acceptable synonym in semi-formal contexts but 'postural drop' is colloquial.
In Context
- "Orthostatic hypotension was identified during the tilt-table assessment, necessitating an abdominal binder and compression stockings prior to mobilisation." — Rehabilitation physical therapy note
- "The term orthostatic hypotension should not be abbreviated to 'postural drop' in formal clinical documents without first defining the abbreviation." — Editorial guidance note