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ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION
Perk Lee Davis
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Abstract
Orthostatic hypotension is due to disturbance of function of the sympathetic nervous system. There is an absence of the reflex vasopressor and cardio-accelerator mechanisms necessary to maintain a blood pressure adequate for normal cerebral circulation when a person changes from a supine to an erect position. Recently Chew, Allen and Barker1reviewed the literature on orthostatic hypotension and added six cases. They have carefully analyzed the numerous symptoms and signs exhibited by these people. Syncope and weakness are the most common symptoms dependent on the sudden fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressures when the patient stands. Among the other symptoms listed may be mentioned (1) failure of an increase in the pulse rate when a patient stands, (2) decrease or absence of sweating, (3) loss of libido, (4) pallor, (5) relatively high blood urea and (6) lowered basal metabolic rate. These authors offer evidence to show that this