Orthostatic Hypotension/Autonomic Dysfunction

NOTE: This pathway is intended for use in patients presenting with clinical evidence of orthostatic hypotension and/or autonomic dysfunction of unclear etiology. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a fall in blood pressure (>20 mm Hg fall in systolic BP OR >10 mm Hg fall in diastolic BP) that occurs within three minutes of standing up from a lying or seated position. Through history taking and vitals assessment, OH should be classified as neurogenic and/or non-neurogenic, with specific etiologies identified. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension is caused by dysfunction of the baroreceptor reflex. Non-neurogenic causes for orthostatic hypotension are more common and are a result of external reversible factors that impair normal hemodynamic compensation.