Patient/caregiver was educated upon life-style measures for individuals with history of orthostatic hypotension as follows:
- Any cause of fluid loss in the body, such as, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can contribute to low blood volume, which lowers the blood pressure and can lead to episodes of orthostatic hypotension. Report to your physician regarding any poorly controlled nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can worsen the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Consider increasing the volume of daily fluid intake recommendation, secondary to risk for increased fluid loss due to poorly controlled nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Senior citizens could be poorly responsive to the thirst sensation and can be at increased risk for poor fluid intake, dehydration, contributing to episodes of orthostatic hypotension. Observing compliance with 2.5 – 3 liters of daily fluid intake recommendation can help prevent such episodes from developing. Caregivers must provide frequent reminders regarding compliance with fluid intake recommendations.
- Optimum intake of sodium in the diet is essential for fluid retention in the circulation and maintenance of blood pressure. Low salt intake can lead to poor fluid volume in circulation and consequently, contribute to hypotension. Observe compliance with intake of sodium as recommended by your physician.
