Cardiovascular · UKMLA & AKT
Orthostatic/ postural hypotension
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Measured after 5 minutes supine, then at 1 and 3 minutes of standing
- Diagnostic threshold: SBP drop ≥20 mmHg (≥30 mmHg in known hypertensives) OR DBP drop ≥10 mmHg - must occur within 3 minutes of standing
The BP drop must occur within 3 minutes of standing - not immediately, and not at 5 minutes. A drop at 5 minutes does not satisfy the standard definition.
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