Orthostatic hypotension, diabetes, and falling in older patients: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although orthostatic hypotension (OH) is more prevalent in old age, and in patients with diabetes, the prevalence of OH in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is unknown.

Aim

To establish the prevalence of OH, and its association with falling, in home-dwelling older participants with and without type 2 diabetes.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional study in primary care in the Netherlands.

Method

A total of 352 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 211 without participated in this study. OH was defined as a fall in blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic after either 1 or 3 minutes in an upright position. Feelings of dizziness, light-headedness, or faintness during the standing period were documented as orthostatic co

SUBMITTER: van Hateren KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3459777 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature