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Orthostatic hypotension: is it really associated with an increased risk of systemic hypertension?

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 23, pages 219–221 (2009)Cite this article

The currently accepted association between orthostatic hypotension and systemic hypertension is based on conflicting evidence. This is the first study investigating this perceived association to use ‘gold standard’ methods for the diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension. In a series of 1043 patients we failed to identify any association between these two conditions.

It has been suggested since the late 1980s1 that there is an association between postural changes in blood pressure and the subsequent development of systemic hypertension. Since then, multiple cross-sectional studies have inconsistently shown an association between orthostatic hypotension (OH) and systemic hypertension (HTN).2, 3, 4, 5, 6 In 2002 the first large prospective study to investigate the above link was published.7 This paper reported a positive association between OH and the 6-year incidence of hypertension.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mid-Western Regional Hospital, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

    J Cooke, S Carew, M O'Connor, A Costelloe, C Sheehy & D Lyons

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  1. J Cooke
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  2. S Carew
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  3. M O'Connor
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  4. A Costelloe
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  5. C Sheehy
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  6. D Lyons
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Correspondence to J Cooke.

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Cooke, J., Carew, S., O'Connor, M. et al. Orthostatic hypotension: is it really associated with an increased risk of systemic hypertension?. J Hum Hypertens 23, 219–221 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2008.133

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