Orthostatic Hypotension/Hypertension

ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION/ORTHOSTATIC HYPERTENSION

This is again a very common mistake that I have come across.  First of all, we need to know what are orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension and where to use them appropriately.

ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION:  This is a form of low blood pressure that occurs in a standing position, i.e., whenever the patient suddenly changes his/her position from sitting to standing, or lying to sitting, the blood pressure drops, which can cause blackout.

At times, doctor even dictates in the vital signs, where he would dictate a series of blood pressure and pulse readings of the patient in sitting, lying, and standing positions.

This is a very common problem that occurs with the patients and 99% of the time dictated by the doctor.

ORTHOSTATIC HYPERTENSION:  This is on the other hand increase of blood pressure due to patient’s sudden position change.  This is very rarely dictated.  I have got only one file in my entire career where the doctor dictated orthostatic hypertension.

BOTTOM LINE

Orthostatic Hypotension is what the doctor dictates in 99% of the files.

Orthostatic Hypertension is rarely used.