Non-pharmacologic management of orthostatic hypotension

The non-pharmacologic management of orthostatic hypotension includes: 1) review medications that may exacerbate the symptoms such as α- blockers, antihypertensives, narcotics, vasodilators such as nitrates and hydralazine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, levodopa, bromocriptine and phosphodiestarase inhibitors; 2) increase fluids and salt aiming at of 2-2.5 L of fluid per day with a diet rich in salt in the range of>10  g/day; 3) avoid large meals, encourage small and more frequent meals; 4) encourage mobilization, avoiding prolonged bedrest; encourage recumbent aerobic exercise and strength training to increase the muscle mass; 5) educate the patient on counter maneuvers (leg crossing, bending over, squatting) and compression garments (abdominal compression or abdominal plus calves and thighs with a pressure of 40 mmHg); 6) encourage drinking 480 ml of plain water before getting up, before exercise, before meals, etc.
Source: Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Source Type: research