Orthostatic Hypotension and Cardiac Changes After Long-Term Follow-Up

Effect of orthostatic hypotension on long-term prognosis of elderly patients with stable coronary artery disease: a retrospective cohort study

Background

The long-term prognosis of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) combined with orthostatic hypotension (OH) has rarely been reported. This research was designed to examine whether OH increases the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death among patients with stable CAD.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed retired military personnel over 65 years of age who were hospitalized at the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army between March and July 2010. A total of 924 patients with stable CAD were included, among whom 263 had OH. The risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death in OH and non-OH groups were analyzed with the Cox proportional hazards models, and restricted cubic spline plots were utilized for subgroup analyses. Furthermore, competing risk models were applied for sensitivity analyses.

Results

The median age of the patients was 82.00 (80.00-85.00) years. Over 159 months of follow-up, the loss to follow-up rate was 2.27%, and all-cause mortality was observed in 574 (63.57%) patients, including 184 with OH. Moreover, cardiovascular death occurred in 127 patients (13.73%), with 58 cases associated with OH. Although the relationship between OH and all-cause mortality was non-significant [body mass index (BMI) < 25 group, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.10 with a 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-1.40; BMI ≥ 25 group, adjusted HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.98-1.70], it was independently related to a growing risk of cardiovascular death (adjusted HR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.20-2.60). This finding was further validated by using a competing risk model (subdistribution HR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.22-2.49). Moreover, age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and frequency of hospital admissions were identified as risk factors of cardiovascular death among patients with OH (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study, based on retired military personnel with stable CAD, found that OH led to a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death, but it was not noticeably associated with all-cause mortality on long-term prognosis.

Orthostatic Hypotension in Multiple System Atrophy: Related Factors and Disease Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by Parkinsonism, ataxia, and autonomic nervous failure. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is the main feature of central vascular autonomic failure in MSA.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed elucidate the effects of OH on cognitive function, disease milestones, and survival.

METHODS

A total of 444 patients with clinically established MSA were enrolled. Mild and severe OH were defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >20/10 mmHg and SBP/DBP ≥30/15 mmHg, respectively.

RESULTS

In this study, 215 MSA patients presented without OH, 88 had mild OH, and 141 had severe OH. The proportion of MSA-C in the severe OH subgroup was significantly higher than that in the subgroup without OH (95/46 vs. 113/102, p = 0.021). The UMSARS I score and the frequency of supine hypertension (SH) in patients with OH were significantly higher than those in patients without OH (16.22 vs. 16.89 vs. 14.60, p < 0.001; 77/64 vs. 29/59 vs. 32/183, p < 0.001). Factors related to the severity of OH included sex (OR, 0.65; p = 0.031), onset age (OR, 0.98; p = 0.029), and SH (OR, 0.21; p < 0.001). The median survival time of patients with severe OH was significantly lower than that of patients without OH (6.79 vs. 8.13 years, p = 0.001). Consistently, Cox survival analysis found that compared with patients without OH, patients with severe OH had a significantly increased risk of death (OR, 2.22; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our large cohort study of MSA provides additional evidence for the negative impact of severe OH on survival.

Orthostatic Hypotension: Management of a Complex, But Common, Medical Problem

Orthostatic hypotension (OH), a common, often overlooked, disorder with many causes, is associated with debilitating symptoms, falls, syncope, cognitive impairment, and risk of death. Chronic OH, a cardinal sign of autonomic dysfunction, increases with advancing age and is commonly associated with neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and kidney failure. Management typically involves a multidisciplinary, patient-centered, approach to arrive at an appropriate underlying diagnosis that is causing OH, treating accompanying conditions, and providing individually tailored pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. We propose a novel streamlined pathophysiological classification of OH; review the relationship between the cardiovascular disease continuum and OH; discuss OH-mediated end-organ damage; provide diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms to guide clinical decision making and patient care; identify current gaps in knowledge and try to define future research directions. Using a case-based learning approach, specific clinical scenarios are presented highlighting various presentations of OH to provide a practical guide to evaluate and manage patients who have OH.

Dietary sodium and health: How much is too much for those with orthostatic disorders?

High dietary salt (NaCl) increases blood pressure (BP) and can adversely impact multiple target organs including the vasculature, heart, kidneys, brain, autonomic nervous system, skin, eyes, and bone. However, patients with orthostatic disorders are told to increase their NaCl intake to help alleviate symptoms. While there is evidence to support the short-term benefits of increasing NaCl intake in these patients, there are few studies assessing the benefits and side effects of long-term high dietary NaCl. The evidence reviewed suggests that high NaCl can adversely impact multiple target organs, often independent of BP. However, few of these studies have been performed in patients with orthostatic disorders. We conclude that the recommendation to increase dietary NaCl in patients with orthostatic disorders should be done with care, keeping in mind the adverse impact on dietary NaCl in people without orthostatic disorders. Modest, rather than robust, increases in NaCl intake may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms but also minimize any long-term negative effects.

Excessive Orthostatic Changes in Blood Pressure Are Associated With Incident Heart Failure in Older Men: A Prospective Analysis From the BRHS

[Figure: see text].

Associations of the systolic and diastolic components of orthostatic hypotension with markers of cardiovascular risk in older men: A cross-sectional analysis from The British Regional Heart Study

The mechanisms underlying the association between orthostatic hypotension (OH) and cardiovascular disease are unclear. We investigated whether OH is associated with circulating cardiovascular risk markers. This was a cross-sectional analysis of 3857 older, community-dwelling men. "Consensus OH" was defined as a sitting-to-standing decrease in systolic blood pressure ≥20 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥10 mm Hg that occurred within three minutes of standing. Multiple generalized linear regression and logistic models were used to examine the association between cardiovascular risk markers and OH. Consensus OH was present in 20.2%, consisting of isolated systolic OH in 12.6%, isolated diastolic OH in 4.6%, and combined systolic and diastolic OH in 3.0%. Concentration of von Willebrand factor, a marker of endothelial dysfunction, was positively associated with isolated systolic OH (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05-1.73) and combined systolic and diastolic OH (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.35-3.83); high circulating phosphate concentration, which may reflect vascular calcification, was associated with isolated diastolic OH (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.04-2.25) and combined systolic and diastolic OH (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.31-3.44), high-sensitivity troponin T, a marker of myocardial injury, was positively associated with isolated diastolic OH (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.07-2.65) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, a marker of cardiac stress, was positively associated with combined systolic and diastolic OH (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.14-4.03). In conclusion, OH is associated with some cardiovascular risk markers implicated in endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification, myocardial injury, and cardiac stress. Clinicians should consider assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with OH.

Cardiovascular Safety Considerations in the Treatment of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), a drop in blood pressure upon standing resulting from autonomic malfunction, may cause debilitating symptoms that can affect independence in daily activities and quality-of-life. nOH may also be associated with cardiovascular comorbidities (e.g., supine hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and arrhythmias), making treatment decisions complicated and requiring management that should be based on a patient's cardiovascular profile. Additionally, drugs used to treat the cardiovascular disorders (e.g., vasodilators, β-blockers) can exacerbate nOH and concomitant symptoms. When orthostatic symptoms are severe and not effectively managed with nonpharmacologic strategies (e.g., water ingestion, abdominal compression), droxidopa or midodrine may be effective. Droxidopa may be less likely than midodrine to exacerbate supine hypertension, based on conclusions of a limited meta-analysis. In conclusion, treating nOH in patients with cardiovascular conditions requires a balance between symptom relief and minimizing adverse outcomes.

Orthostatic hypotension and the risk of atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular diseases: An updated meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

The relationships between orthostatic hypotension (OH) and some kinds of cardiovascular disease are inconsistent among studies. This updated meta-analysis was conducted in hopes of producing progress on this topic. A systematic database search was performed in electronic databases, including the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Summary hazard ratio (HR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic. From 1462 potentially eligible records, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Subjects with OH had a high risk of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) (pooled HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.17-1.52, P < 0.001 and pooled HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.28-1.79, P < 0.001, respectively). This meta-analysis also showed significant associations between OH and the risks of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) (pooled HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.18-1.75, P < 0.001) and myocardial infarction (MI) (pooled HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.12-2.06, P = 0.008). Our study suggests that OH is positively associated with high risks of HF and AF. Moreover, it may be related to high risks of CHD and MI.

Orthostatic Hypotension and Risk of Clinical and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Middle-Aged Adults

Background

Although orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a well‐recognized manifestation of neuropathy and hypovolemia, its contribution to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is controversial.

Methods and Results

Participants with OH, defined as a decrease in blood pressure (systolic ≥20 mm Hg or diastolic ≥10 mm Hg) from the supine to standing position, were identified during the first visit of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study (1987–1989) within 2 minutes of standing. All participants were followed up for the development of myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, fatal coronary heart disease (CHD), any CHD (combination of silent, nonfatal, and fatal CHD or cardiac procedures), and all‐cause mortality. Participants were assessed for carotid intimal thickness and plaque during the first visit. Detectable high‐sensitivity troponin T (≥5 ng/L) and elevated NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide; ≥100 pg/mL) were determined in blood collected during the second visit (1990–1992). All associations were adjusted for known CVD risk factors. In 9139 participants (57% women; 23% black; mean age, 54±5.7 years), 3% had OH. During follow‐up (median, 26 years), OH was associated with myocardial infarction (hazard ratio [HR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–2.46), congestive heart failure (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.34–2.04), stroke (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.35–2.48), fatal CHD (HR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.93–3.98), any CHD (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.64–2.44), and all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.45–1.95). OH was also associated with carotid intimal thickness (β, 0.05 mm; 95% CI, 0.04–0.07 mm), carotid plaque (odds ratio, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.18–1.93), detectable high‐sensitivity troponin T (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.16–1.93), and elevated NT‐proBNP (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.48–2.49).

Conclusions

OH identified in community‐dwelling middle‐aged adults was associated with future CVD events and subclinical CVD. Further research is necessary to establish a causal role for OH in the pathogenesis of CVD.

Blood pressure circadian rhythms and adverse outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Patients with diabetes frequently develop orthostatic hypotension (OH). The present study was designed to examine the relationship of blood pressure (BP) circadian rhythms and outcomes in diabetes with OH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, 173 inpatients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Patients were divided into an OH group and a non-OH group according to the BP changes detected in the supine and standing position. Then, 24-h ambulatory BP was monitored. Patients were followed up for an average of 45 ± 10 months post-discharge. Outcomes - death and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, including heart failure, myocardial infarction and stroke - were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 61 patients (35.26%) in the OH group and 112 patients (64.74%) in the non-OH group. In the OH group, the night-time systolic BP and night-time diastolic BP were higher, the blood BP rhythms were predominantly of the riser type (67.21%). OH was as an independent marker of riser type circadian rhythm (adjusted odds ratio 4.532, 95% confidence interval 2.579-7.966). In the OH group, the incidence rates of mortality, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were increased significantly compared with those in the non-OH group (11.48 vs 2.68%, P = 0.014; 37.70 vs 8.93%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who had type 2 diabetes diagnosed with OH, the BP circadian rhythm usually showed riser patterns, and they had increased rates of mortality, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events.

Proteomic Profiling for Cardiovascular Biomarker Discovery in Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) has been linked with higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, but little is known about the mechanisms behind this association. We aimed to identify cardiovascular disease biomarkers associated with OH through a proteomic profiling approach. Seven hundred seventy-eight patients with unexplained syncope or orthostatic intolerance underwent head-up tilt test and supine blood samples. Of these, 220 met diagnostic criteria of OH, and 179 demonstrated normal hemodynamic response during head-up tilt test. Blood samples were analyzed by antibody-based Proximity Extension Assay technique simultaneously measuring 92 cardiovascular disease-related human protein biomarkers. The discovery algorithm was a sequential 2-step process of biomarker signature identification by supervised, multivariate, principal component analysis and verification by univariate ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Patients with OH were older (67 versus 60 years; P<0.001) and more likely to be women (48% versus 41%; P>0.001) but did not differ from OH-negative patients in medical history. Principal component analysis identified MMP-7 (matrix metalloproteinase-7), TM (thrombomodulin), MB (myoglobin), TIM-1 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-1), CASP-8 (caspase-8), CXCL-1 (C-X-C motif chemokine-1), Dkk-1 (dickkopf-related protein-1), lectin-like LOX-1 (oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1), PlGF (placenta growth factor), PAR-1 (proteinase-activated receptor-1), and MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein-1) as the most robust proteomic signature for OH. From this proteomic feature selection, MMP-7 and TIM-1 met Bonferroni-adjusted significance criteria in univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Proteomic profiling in OH reveals a biomarker signature of atherothrombosis and inflammation. Circulating levels of MMP-7 and TIM-1 are independently associated with OH and may be involved in cardiovascular disease promotion.

Orthostatic hypotension for the cardiologist

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Orthostatic hypotension is a phenomenon commonly encountered in a cardiologist's clinical practice that has significant diagnostic and prognostic value for a cardiologist. Given the mounting evidence associating cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with orthostatic hypotension, cardiologists will play an increasing role in treating and managing patients with orthostatic hypotension.

RECENT FINDINGS

The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Heart Rhythm Society recently published consensus guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of syncope and their instigators, including orthostatic hypotension. Additionally, consensus guidelines have also been recently updated, reinforcing the universal definition orthostatic hypotension and its closely associated pathologies. Finally, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved droxidopa, a synthetic oral norepinephrine prodrug, in 2014 for the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), and it represents a well tolerated, effective, and easy to use intervention for nOH. This represents only the second drug approved by the FDA for orthostatic hypotension, the first being midodrine in 1986. A handful of smaller head-to-head studies have pitted not only pharmacologic agents to one another but also nonpharmacologic interventions to pharmacologic agents. Additionally, recent studies have also reported on more convenient screening tools for orthostatic hypotension.

SUMMARY

Though there have been many advances in the management of orthostatic hypotension, nOH remains a chronic, debilitating, and often progressively fatal condition. Cardiologists can play a very important role in optimizing hemodynamics in this patient population to improve quality of life and minimize cardiovascular risk.

Autonomic dysfunction is associated with cardiac remodelling in heart failure patients

Aims

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a cardinal sign of autonomic dysfunction and a common co‐morbidity in heart failure (HF). The role of autonomic dysfunction in the development of structural cardiac anomalies in HF patients has not been sufficiently explored. We aimed to assess relations between orthostatic blood pressure (BP) responses during active standing and echocardiographic changes in a series of patients admitted for HF.

Methods and results

One hundred and forty‐nine patients hospitalized for HF [mean age: 74 years; 30% women; ejection fraction (LVEF) 40 ± 16%] were examined with conventional echocardiograms and active‐standing test. Associations of cardiac remodelling parameters with the difference between supine and standing (after 3 min) systolic/diastolic BP were examined. Systolic BP decreased (−1.1 ± 15 mmHg), whereas diastolic BP increased (+1.0 ± 9.5 mmHg) after 3 min of active standing. A total of 34 patients (23%) met conventional OH criteria; i.e. systolic/diastolic BP decreases by ≥20/10 mmHg. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and LVEF, a decrease in systolic BP upon standing was associated with greater left atrial volume [β per −10 mmHg: 2.37, standard error (SE) = 1.16, P = 0.043], and greater left ventricular mass (β per −10 mmHg: 5.67, SE = 2.24, P = 0.012), but not with other echocardiographic parameters. No significant associations were observed between signs of cardiac remodelling and decrease in diastolic BP.

Conclusions

Orthostatic decrease in systolic BP among older HF patients is associated with structural cardiac changes such as increased left atrial volume and left ventricular mass, independently of traditional risk factors and left ventricular dysfunction.

Cardiovascular risk after hospitalisation for unexplained syncope and orthostatic hypotension

Objective

To investigate the relationship of hospital admissions due to unexplained syncope and orthostatic hypotension (OH) with subsequent cardiovascular events and mortality.

Methods

We analysed a population-based prospective cohort of 30 528 middle-aged individuals (age 58±8 years; males, 40%). Adjusted Cox regression models were applied to assess the impact of unexplained syncope/OH hospitalisations on cardiovascular events and mortality, excluding subjects with prevalent cardiovascular disease.

Results

After a median follow-up of 15±4 years, 524 (1.7%) and 504 (1.7%) participants were hospitalised for syncope or OH, respectively, yielding 1.2 hospital admissions per 1000 person-years for each diagnosis. Syncope hospitalisations increased with age (HR, per 1 year: 1.07, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.09), higher systolic blood pressure (HR, per 10 mm Hg: 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12), antihypertensive treatment (HR: 1.26, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.59), use of diuretics (HR: 1.77, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.38) and prevalent cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.23), whereas OH hospitalisations increased with age (HR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.12) and prevalent diabetes (HR: 1.82, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.70). After exclusion of 1399 patients with prevalent cardiovascular disease, a total of 473/464 patients were hospitalised for unexplained syncope/OH before any cardiovascular event. Hospitalisation for unexplained syncope predicted coronary events (HR: 1.85, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.30), heart failure (HR: 2.24, 95% CI 1.65 to 3.04), atrial fibrillation (HR: 1.84, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.26), aortic valve stenosis (HR: 2.06, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.32), all-cause mortality (HR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.37) and cardiovascular death (HR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.42). OH-hospitalisation predicted stroke (HR: 1.66, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.23), heart failure (HR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.62), atrial fibrillation (HR: 1.89, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.41) and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.30).

Conclusions

Patients discharged with the diagnosis of unexplained syncope or OH show higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality with only partial overlap between these two conditions.

Orthostatic hypotension and association of arterial compliance in elderly patients with hypertension: a pilot study

BACKGROUNDS

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with cardiovascular diseases, heart failure, and increased mortality. We evaluated whether OH was affected by cardiac structure and function or autonomic function in elderly hypertensive outpatients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 64 hypertension patients (mean age 74.2±1.7 years old), we evaluated changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability before and after standing up using the MemCalc system. In addition, we retrospectively reviewed their medical records and echocardiographic data.

RESULTS

Of the total patients, 28% had OH [decrease of systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥20 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥10 mmHg]. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that stroke volume (SV)/pulse pressure (PP) was associated independently with orthostatic change in SBP (P=0.007). The patients with OH tended to have a lower SV (57.3±13.1 vs. 68.1±16.3 ml, P=0.009) and lower SV/PP (1.02±0.26 vs. 1.33±0.45, P=0.001) than those without OH. The significance in difference in SV/PP remained even after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate, number of antihypertesive drugs, history of diabetes, and SBP at rest (P=0.036). However, there were no significant differences in change in the low frequency/high frequency ratio after standing up (P=0.899) between patients with and without OH.

CONCLUSION

Elderly hypertensive patients with OH may have a reduced arterial compliance, measured as SV/PP, and may not have differences in sympathetic nerve activities, measured as the low frequency/high frequency ratio.

Orthostatic Hypotension and the Long-Term Risk of Dementia: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common cause of transient cerebral hypoperfusion in the population. Cerebral hypoperfusion is widely implicated in cognitive impairment, but whether OH contributes to cognitive decline and dementia is uncertain. We aimed to determine the association between OH and the risk of developing dementia in the general population.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Between 4 October 1989 and 17 June 1993, we assessed OH in non-demented, stroke-free participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study. OH was defined as a ≥20 mm Hg drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or ≥10 mm Hg drop in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 3 min from postural change. We furthermore calculated within participant variability in SBP related to postural change, expressed as coefficient of variation. Follow-up for dementia was conducted until 1 January 2014. We determined the risk of dementia in relation to OH and SBP variability, using a Cox regression model, adjusted for age; sex; smoking status; alcohol intake; SBP; DBP; cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein ratio; diabetes; body mass index; use of antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, or anticholinergic medication; and apolipoprotein E genotype. Finally, we explored whether associations varied according to compensatory increase in heart rate. Among 6,204 participants (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 68.5 ± 8.6 y, 59.7% female) with a median follow-up of 15.3 y, 1,176 developed dementia, of whom 935 (79.5%) had Alzheimer disease and 95 (8.1%) had vascular dementia. OH was associated with an increased risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.15, 95% CI 1.00-1.34, p = 0.05), which was similar for Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia. Similarly, greater SBP variability with postural change was associated with an increased risk of dementia (aHR per SD increase 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.16, p = 0.02), which was similar when excluding those who fulfilled the formal criteria for OH (aHR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.17, p = 0.06). The risk of dementia was particularly increased in those with OH who lacked a compensatory increase in heart rate (within lowest quartile of heart rate response: aHR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04-1.85, p-interaction = 0.05). Limitations of this study include potential residual confounding despite rigorous adjustments, and potentially limited generalisability to populations not of European descent.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population predominantly of European descent, OH was associated with an increase in long-term risk of dementia.