Patient/caregiver was educated upon life-style measures for individuals with history of orthostatic hypotension as follows:
- Low circulating blood volume can contribute to increased thickening of blood with increased risk for clot formation and DVT. Observing compliance with daily fluid intake
- recommendations can help prevent risk for hypotensive episodes and DVT. Also, observing compliance with wearing compression stockings can help reduce pooling of blood in BLE. Return of blood volume into circulation can help prevent orthostatic hypotension.
- Hypotension and reduced blood and oxygen supply to heart muscle can result in chest pain and discomfort. In severe cases, individuals can even present with an episode of myocardial infarction or heart attack, damaging the heart muscle further. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any chest pain and/or discomfort, how insignificant it may be.
- Progressive damage to heart muscle with unresolving orthostatic hypotension can lead to arrhythmias and heart failure. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any signs and symptoms of worsening arrhythmia, such as, fluttering in the chest, racing or abnormally slow heartbeat, poorly felt pulse, dizziness, any episodes of loss of consciousness, and fainting. Observe compliance with intake of anti-arrhythmic and other cardiac medications, as ordered.
