Orthostatic Hypotension Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Orthostatic Hypotension Clinical Trials

Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension) is when low blood pressure occurs when standing after periods of sitting or lying down. The results are the person feels dizzy and lightheaded and may sometimes faint. The condition is differentiated from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), as the latter also involves the heart rate speeding up.

According to the Mayo Clinic, orthostatic hypotension symptoms can include the following:

• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Dizziness or light headiness

It is often triggered by mild dehydration and can easily be managed without medical intervention. However, if it has become a chronic problem or results in losing consciousness, a person needs to see a doctor.

Clinical trials for orthostatic hypotension typically focus on patients with low blood pressure, as they are the highest group impacted by the condition. However, other clinical trials look at patients with other conditions where orthostatic hypotension can be a side-effect, such as people with autonomic failure, Parkinson’s disease, and certain heart conditions.

Why Is Orthostatic Hypotension Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

According to the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus, Orthostatic hypotension affects around 6% of the general population. However, it is most prevalent among older adults, impacting 10-30% of this group.

Orthostatic hypotension is more serious in older adults as it raises the risk of falling. In addition, the condition may also signify a more serious issue, such as heart problems or kidney failure.

What Are The Types Of Treatments Available For Orthostatic Hypotension?

Treatments for orthostatic hypotension depend on the frequency and cause. For example, orthostatic hypotension is rare for some people, and drinking a glass of water solves the problem. However, for others, it results from a deeper issue, such as medication or another condition, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

According to the Mayo Clinic, treatments for orthostatic hypotension typically focus on lifestyle changes, including the following:

• Reducing or eliminating alcohol
• Increasing salt intake
• Increasing water intake
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Using compression stockings
• Incorporating gentle movements and stretches
• Raising the head of the bed slightly
• Getting up slowly
• Avoid exercising in hot, humid weather
• Incorporate more cardiovascular and strengthen exercises

However, other treatments may need to be explored in some instances, including medications that increase blood pressure or blood volume.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Orthostatic Hypotension?

2017: Orthostatic Hypotension Assessments – Researchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine examine the then-current practice of waiting 3 minutes after rising to assess orthostatic hypotension with a new proposal of assessing 1 minute after rising.

The study involved 11,429 adults 44-66 years of age and measured their stats over various intervals. The results showed that taking measurements within 1 minute of standing had the strongest relation to dizziness and individual outcomes.

Thus, they recommended that the current recommendation of waiting 3 minutes be moved to 1 minute. As of 2023, the CDC recommends evaluation at 1 and 3 minutes.

1997: Midodrine – A multicenter study was led by Phillip A. Low, MD, from the Department of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic. The randomized, double-blind trial examined using midodrine 3 times a day to improve blood pressure, reducing orthostatic hypotension symptoms, such as lightheadedness.

171 people with orthostatic hypotension participated in the trial. The study concluded that it was safe and effective in treating neurogenetic orthostatic hypotension.