Patient/caregiver was educated upon findings to watch for and report in individuals with orthostatic hypotension as follows:
- Orthostatic hypotensive individuals with coexisting history of bleeding peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, or any other condition that can cause an internal bleed, can be at higher risk for exacerbation of orthostatic hypotension. Individuals with such history must keep a close watch on the color of urine and stool. Report to the physician regarding any findings of blood in the urine or stool.
- Poor blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle in individuals with history of heart failure and cardiomyopathy result in damage to the heart muscle and ineffective cardiac contractions. This can lead to poor pumping activity, reduced volume of blood in circulation, poor blood supply to upper portions of the body, and orthostatic hypotension. Chronically hypotensive individuals with history of coexisting heart failure must keep a close watch on symptoms of worsening heart failure, which can aggravate the hypotensive findings. Report to your physician regarding any signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure, such as, exacerbation of SOB, worsening pedal edema, increasing dizziness, acute weight gain, fatigue, poorly felt pulse, and chest pain or discomfort.
- Individuals taking diuretic medications can present with increased frequency of urination, resulting in excessive fluid loss and hypotension. Orthostatic hypotensive individuals with coexisting history of taking diuretic medications, must keep a close watch for increasing frequency of urination, which can aggravate the hypotensive findings. Report to your physician regarding any increase in diuretic dose, which simultaneously can increase risk for orthostatic hypotension.
