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383608 
Journal Article 
Postprandial hypotension 
Luciano Gina, L; Brennan Maura, J; Rothberg Michael, B 
2010 
1 
American Journal of Medicine
ISSN: 0002-9343
EISSN: 1555-7162 
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC 
NEW YORK 
123 
3 
281.e281-286 
English 
20193838 
WOS:000275809400019 
Postprandial hypotension is both common in geriatric patients and an important but under-recognized cause of syncope. Other populations at risk include those with Parkinson disease and autonomic failure. The mechanism is not clearly understood, but appears to be secondary to a blunted sympathetic response to a meal. This review discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology of postprandial hypotension in the elderly, as well as diagnosis and treatment strategies. Diagnosis can be made based on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and patient symptoms. Lifestyle modifications such as increased water intake before eating or substituting 6 smaller meals daily for 3 larger meals may be effective treatment options. However, data from randomized, controlled trials are limited. Increased awareness of this disease may lead to improved quality of life, decreased falls and injuries, and the avoidance of unnecessary testing. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.