Hypotension resident survival guide

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ogheneochuko Ajari, MB.BS, MS [2] Javaria Anwer M.D.[3]
Synonyms and keywords: Low blood pressure resident survival guide, Low blood pressure management guide, guide to hypotension management, hypotension management guide, hypotension management algorithm

Hypotension resident survival guide microchapters
Overview
Causes
Diagnosis and Management
Do's
Don'ts

Overview

Hypotension is the term for low blood pressure (BP). A systolic BP measuring less than 90mmHg and/ or diastolic BP of less than 60mmHg is considered hypotension. A difference of 20 mmHg systolic BP and 10 mmHg diastolic BP is considered orthostatic hypotension (OH). Orthostatic hypotension is the most common type of hypotension, and neurogenic hypotension is demonstrated among 1/3rd of the individuals with OH. A decrease in blood pressure can be life-threatening in conditions such as anaphylaxis and addisonian crisis, and requires prompt treatment. It is important to access the possibility of head injury in a patient with syncope due to hypotension. ECG is an important and essential component of the evaluation of hypotension. Shock requires prompt management with fluids and vasopressors. For other causes of hypotension, identifying the cause and treatment is the best strategy. Lifestyle modifications are usually the first step in management. Medications causing a drop in blood pressure should be discontinued or changed to an appropriate alternative.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions that result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.

Common Causes

The algorithm illustrates common causes of hypotension based upon the etiology.[1][2][3][4]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Causes of hypotension
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vasodilation
 
Cardiogenic
 
Orthostatic hypotension
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Neurogenic
 
 
 
 
Iatrogenic
 
 
 
 
Non-neurgenic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Peripheral autonomic

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy
❑ Acquired non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy

Hereditary autonomic neuropathy
 
Neurodegenerative

❑ Pure autonomic failure
Parkinson disease
❑ Diffuse lewy body disease

❑ Multiple system atrophy
 
Post-traumatic
Spinal cord injury
 
 
 
 
 
Hypovolemia

Dehydration/ low intravascular volume: Vomiting, diarrhea, Addison's disease
Polyuria such as in diabetes mellitus
❑ Third-spacing: Burns, sepsis

Bleeding: Wounds, menorrhagia
 
Venous pooling
Prolonged bed rest
Heat stroke
 
Others

❑ Aging
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Diagnosis and Management

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the management of hypotension.[5][6][1][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][2]


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Systolic BP < 90mmHg / Diastolic BP < 60mmHg
OR
Difference of 20 mmHg systolic and 10 mmHg diastolic pressure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reassess B.P if unsure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diagnosis of hypotension
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial tests
EKG x 24 hours
❑ Cardiac monitor x 24 hours till 7 days
Pulse oximeter
❑ Blood pressure monitor x 24 hours
TSH
❑ Serum electrolytes
HB
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sinus rhythmn
 
 
Arrhythmia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holter monitor or
Long-term loop recorders
(may be up to a month)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unexplained syncope/ fall/ dizziness
 
 
 
 
 
Asymptomatic
 
Shock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CT scan head if

❑ Decreasing GCS score (<15)
Seizure
❑ > 1 episode of vomiting
❑ Skull fracture evidence
❑ Age >60 years
❑ Abnormal neurological examination

❑ High-risk mechanism injury
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shock resident survival guide
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Post-parandial
History

Age:Usually old individuals.
Symptoms: Syncope or angina symptoms 15-90 minutes after meal.
Associated symptoms: Angina pectoris, weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, syncope, nausea, blurred vision/ black spots in visual field, cold clammy, or pale skin, disturbed speech.
Past medical history: Parkinson disease, autonomic dysfunctions, HTN, diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

Medication history: Medications administered with meal may cause hypotension.
 
Prolonged standing/ Stress
History

Source:
Patient and/ or a witness describing the fall.
Age: Common among young individuals.
Duration of symptoms: Frequency, triggering or relieving factors.
Associated symptoms: Sinking feeling, tachycardia, sweating dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, blurred vision, cold clammy, pale skin and blaxck out preceding syncope
Past medical history: Volume loss, malena.

Family history:A positive family history has been demonstrated in the past and indicated genetic component
 
Postural / Early morning
History

Source: Patient and/ or a witness describing the fall.
Age: Any age individuals.
❑ Duration of syncope, preceding events, confusion post syncope
Associated symptoms: Dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion, fatigue, nausea, blurred vision, cold clammy, and pale skin, Vision problems, gait problems, and neck pain.
Past medical history:Diabetes, renal problems, amyloidosis, heart disease,HTN, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative dosease.
Menstrual history: Menorrhagia
Medication history: Beta-blockers, aplha blockers, vasodilators, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Social history:Alcohol intake may cause dehydration.
 
History
Source: Patient

Age: Helps determine age-specific causes.
Associated symptoms: Dizziness or lightheadedness, syncope, nausea, blurred vision.

Past medical history:
Volume loss, malena, diagnosed conditions such as diabetes, HTN, Addison's disease, etc
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physical exam

Vital signs: Heart rate, respiratory rate. A decrease in systolic BP of =/ >20 mm Hg or =/> 90 mm Hg (when the systolic BP before the meal is > 100mmHg, within 2 hours of the start of the meal.

HEENT, CVS, neuro, respiratory, and GI exam.
 
 
Physical exam

Vital signs:Heart rate, respiratory rate. Blood pressure recording lying/ seating and standing.
❑ Reduction of at least 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic BP within 3 minutes of erect standing.

HEENT, CVS, neuro, respiratory, GI exam.
 
Physical exam

Vital signs:Heart rate, respiratory rate. Blood pressure recording lying/ seating and standing.

HEENT, CVS, neuro, respiratory, GI exam.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Labs
CBC
BSL/ HbA1c
Urinalysis
CMP
Holter monitor, CXR, stress test (high risk individuals)
 
Labs
CBC

BSL

Holter monitor, CXR, stress test (high risk individuals)
 
Labs
 
Labs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tilt table test
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lifestyle Modification
❑ Regular blood pressure monitoring both supine and prone.
❑ Maintain fluid intake.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tilt table test positive
 
 
 
 
 
Tilt table test negative
 
❑ Cardiac journal
❑ Follow-up
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
❑ Orthostatic hypotension after 3 minutes of standing
 
❑ Diagnosed in 1 minute of standing
❑ Severity estimated in 2 minutes of standing
Valsalva test or carotid massage may be utilized to confirm the diagnosis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Neurocardiogenic syncope
 
Orthostatic hypotension
 
 
Postprandial hypotension
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lifestyle Modification
❑ Regular blood pressure monitoring both supine and prone.

elevated salt intake of no more than 10g/day.

❑ Maintain fluid intake.
 
Lifestyle Modification

❑ Regular blood pressure monitoring both supine and prone.
❑ Maintain fluid intake.
❑ Postural OH:

Elevated salt intake
Mild cases: 2 g salt tablets thrice a day (minimum eight 8-ounce servings of fluid/ day). Maximum of no more than 10g/day.
Acute cases: Salty soups and about five 8-ounce servings of fluid/ half day.
Abdominal binder

❑ Early morning OH

❑ Care on awakening with gradual shift from supine to upright.
❑ Drinking two cups of cold water 30 min before arising from the bed.
❑ Elevation of the head end of the bed.
 
 
Lifestyle Modification

❑ Counsel the patient and caregiver about the risk and timing post meal.
❑ Discontinue unnecessary medications.
❑ Pre and post parandial B.P. monitoring.
❑ Medications between the meals rather with the meal.

❑ Meal: Smaller, low carbohydrate meals. Liberal salt, water intake. Avoid hot drinks, hot foods, meals during hemodialysis, and reduce alcohol intake.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical therapy

Beta blockers preferred initial treatment
SSRI
Fludrocortisone 0.1mg/day
Midodrine 2.5-10 TID
Scopolamine

Dual chamber pacing may be required.
 
Medical therapy
❑ Severe acute cases: hospital management with IV fluids
Fludrocortisone 0.1-1.0 mg / day
Pyridostigmine bromide
Erythropoietin 50 units/kg S/C thrice a week (monitoring reticulocyte count and Hct)
 
 
Medical therapy
Caffeine 250mg before meal
Octreotide 50 microgram S/C before each meal.
Indomethacin 25-50 mg thrice a day
Midodrine 2.5 -10 mg thrice a day/ 60 mg 6 or 12 hourly.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FDA approved pharmacotherapy for neurogenic OH

 ❑ Droxidopa

 ❑ Midodrine
 
 
 
 
 
❑ Cardiac journal
❑ Follow-up
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
❑ Cardiac journal
❑ Follow-up
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Do's

Don'ts

  • Do not over treat hypotension. Symptomatic low BP or decreased organ perfusion is a treatable entity.
  • Do not forget to follow up with the patient and monitor the blood pressure to titrate the management strategy.

References

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