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Journal of Hypertension: Open Access

ISSN: 2167-1095

Open Access

Volume 1, Issue 2 (2012)

Editorial Pages: 1 - 1

Is a New Crash Coming?

Vivencio Barrios and Carlos Escobar

DOI: 10.4172/2167-1095.1000e105

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Review Article Pages: 1 - 8

Drugs and Orthostatic Hypotension: Evidence from Literature

Valeria Milazzo, Cristina Di Stefano, Serena Servo, Valentina Crudo, Chiara Fulcheri, Simona Maule and Franco Veglio

DOI: 10.4172/2167-1095.1000104

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as the reduction of systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or the dropping of diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing compared to baseline values. It can be divided into neurogenic and non neurogenic forms. Neurogenic forms are caused by a primitive damage to autonomic nervous system, while drugs are the most common cause of non neurogenic orthostatic hypotension; they may also complicate or aggravate neurogenic forms. Many drugs can determine orthostatic hypotension, including both cardiovascular drugs and therapies used for neurological and psychiatric disorders. This effect is furthermore enhanced by multiple pharmacological treatments. It is important for the clinician to know the potential hazard of orthostatic hypotension, in order to avoid syncope, falls, hypoperfusion symptoms, excess of mortality and loss of compliance to treatment.

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