A systematic review of published evidence suggests that hypertension treatment lowers the risk for orthostatic hypotension, or extreme drop in blood pressure upon standing. Orthostatic hypotension, before or in the setting of more intensive blood pressure (BP) treatment, should not be viewed as a reason to avoid or de-escalate treatment for hypertension. This is important as it is traditionally thought that hypertension treatment causes this condition. The findings are published in Annals of Internal Medicine and will be presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2020.

Orthostatic hypotension is the change in blood pressure after someone stands up and is an important risk factor for falls, syncope, and death. It is common among adults with hypertension and is associated with multiple classes of antihypertensive medications. These associations with hypertension and its treatment have led to the widespread concern that orthostatic hypotension is a complication of intensive BP therapy.

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