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Clinical investigation of postprandial hypotension of senile inpatients

TONG Di-yi, FANG Ning-yuan   

  1. Department of Geriatrics, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
  • Online:2014-07-28 Published:2014-08-11

Abstract:

Objective To explore the prevalence and clinical characteristics of postprandial hypotension(PPH) of senile inpatients. Methods Seventy-one senile patients who were in stable condition and treated in the Department of Geriatrics from June, 2013 to November, 2013 were selected. Their blood pressure and heart rates were measured by the 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring before and after three meals. Results The prevalence of PPH of senile in patients was 87.32%, which was irrelevant to age and sex. The prevalences of PPH after breakfast, lunch, and supper were similar. The prevalence of patients with more than three basic diseases or taking more than three drugs was significantly higher (P<0.05). The blood pressure dropped in varying degrees after three meals. The blood pressure dropped fast and most after breakfast. The lowest blood pressure occurred 60 min after breakfast and 120 min after lunch and supper. The heart rates dropped after three meals. The differences of variations of the heart rates before and after three meals were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of PPH of senile inpatients is high and the blood pressure drops significantly after meals. Attention should be paid in order to avoid adverse events induced by the hypotension.

Key words: postprandial hypotension, prevalence, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the aged