what is considered hypotension
<90/60
pathophys of hypotension
When oxygen delivery is insufficient to support tissue metabolic requirements, a person is said to be in what state?
circulatory shock
Arterial pressure is determined by:
(3)
1) cardiac output
2) venous pressure
3) systemic vascular resistance
Any reduction in these variables can lead to hypotension
causes of hypotension
Important Historical Information to ask for hypotension
Acute change in BP?
Precipitating events/symptoms?
Medications, including any recent changes?
Pre-existing medical conditions?
Are they symptomatic?
sx of hypotension
Depends on the patient, underlying cause, existing comorbidities, age, etc.
1. Lightheadedness, dizziness, HA
2. Syncope
3. Nausea
4. Confusion, Fatigue
5. chest pain
6. SOB
7. blurred vision
signs of hypotension
Bradycardia or Tachycardia
Skin - Pallor, Diaphoresis, Cool/clammy, Prolonged capillary refill
Altered LOC
Other signs depend on underlying mechanism
diagnostic testing/labs for hypotension
Testing should reflect your differential diagnosis!!
EKG
CBC, CMP, UA
Echocardiogram
Urine drug screen
CT head
management for hypotension
Depends on the underlying cause and patient presentation!
Typically, IV bolus of normal saline
Described as a drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to symptoms of hypotension
Orthostasis or Postural hypotension
Orthostatics can occur due to ?
impairment of autonomic reflexes
volume depletion
Occurs more frequently in the elderly
criteria for orthostatic hypotension
However, delayed orthostasis may occur after 5 or even 10 minutes
Normal BP Response to Standing
Rapid decrease in venous return and cardiac output
Detected by baroreceptors in carotids
Standing stimulates sympathetic nervous system to: (3)
causes of orthostatics
medications that cause orthostatics
sx of orthostatics
ways to evaluate orthostatics
how to perform tilt table testing
diagnostic evaluation for othostatics
Remaining testing should be focused on identifying treatable conditions:
CBC, BMP
EKG
EMG
Over how many of patients will have no identifiable cause discovered, even after an extensive work-up.
1/3
management for acute orthostatics
MC due to volume depletion – IV fluids
management for chronic orthostatics
sx are managed initially with nonpharmacologic measures, which the patient must strictly adhere to
Pharm therapy is added with severe sx refractory to nonpharmacologic therapies