Early detection of the risk for orthostatic hypotension among the elderly people

Background/Aim: Orthostatic hypotensionis an important problem that commonly occurs in elderly people. It causes a burden on public health, is associated with impaired motor performance, and negatively affects physical functioning and activities.This study aimed to detect the risk of orthostatic hypotension in elderly people. Materials and methods: A descriptive research design was used. The study was conducted at the Badr geriatric home and outpatient clinic of Fayoum university hospital, Egypt. Subjects: A total of 300 elderly individuals. Tools: Structured interview questionnaire, Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Questionnaire, and supine to stand test. Results: About three-fifths of the sample were aged 60-69 years old and more than one third of the participants (34.0%) were aged 70-79 years old. In addition, 53.3% of the clients were male and 46.7% were female. Regarding to the residence, more than three quarters of the participants (79.3%) were from rural areas and 40.0% of them were illiterate, not working (86.7%), and married (62.0%). In addition, 24.0% of the elderly clients suffered from orthostatic hypotension (OH) which affected activities that required walking or standing for a long time. In addition, a longer time was required for a shower (86.1%), prolonged bed rest (55.6%), carbohydrate-heavy meals (54.2%), obesity (52.7%), hypertension (43.1%), diabetes mellitus (36.1%), cardiac diseases (27.8%), and anemia (16.7%) were the main precipitating factors for OH in elderly clients. Conclusion: Approximately one-fifth of the clients suffered from OH. The main precipitating factors included a long time for a shower, prolonged bed rest, heavy carbohydrate meals, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac diseases, and anemia. Recommendations: All older adults especially those with chronic diseases should receive regular monitoring of blood pressure to detect OH and prevent complications.