1. Test for orthostatic hypotension
Test for orthostatic hypotension. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate are measured with the patent recumbent (left) and then each minute after standing for 5 min (right). A decrease in systolic blood pressure of ≥20 mm Hg or in diastolic blood pressure of ≥10 mm Hg indicates orthostatic hypotension. When autonomic function is normal, as in hypovolemia, there is a compensatory increase in heart rate, whereas lack of such an increase suggests autonomic failure.
Source: Neurologic History & Examination, Clinical Neurology, 9e
Citation: Aminoff MJ, Greenberg DA, Simon RP. Clinical Neurology, 9e; 2015 Available at: Accessed: October 24, 2017
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