Patient/caregiver was educated upon findings to watch for and report in individuals with orthostatic hypotension as follows:
- Observe compliance with log maintenance of blood pressure readings, in laying down, sitting, and standing positions. Report to your physician regarding any fall of systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg and more or diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg and more, on sudden change of position. Report to your physician regarding any consistent heart rate less than 60.
- Patients can present with symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, such as, altered level of consciousness, confusion, dizziness, reduced concentration, blacking out, and blurred vision on sudden position change. Report to your physician regarding any new or worsening symptoms of poor blood and nutrient supply to the brain.
- Ineffective and disorderly activity of heart in individuals with history of arrhythmia result in compromised pumping activity of heart, poor volume of blood in circulation, reduced blood supply to upper portions of the body, and orthostatic hypotension. Hypotensive individuals with history of coexisting arrhythmias must keep a close watch on symptoms of uncontrolled arrhythmia, which can aggravate the hypotensive findings. 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, chest pain and/or discomfort, and fainting.
