Falls and Hypotensive Syndromes in the Elderly

Falls could be due to multifactorial causes, such as age-related physiological changes, multiple comorbidities and medications. Hypotensive syndromes are common among older adults. Symptomatic drop in blood pressure with standing, eating and head turning is very common in older adults. Autonomic function dysregulation plays a role in causing these conditions. People who feel dizzy on standing should have orthostatic blood pressure measurements, who feel dizzy after eating should be checked for postprandial hypotension and with head turning should be assessed for carotid sinus syndrome. All patients who had falls, especially recurrent and unexplained falls, should be assessed for hypotensive syndromes.