title: Predictors of orthostatic hypotension in patients attending a transient ischaemic attack clinic: database study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common amongst the older population and is associated with morbidity and mortality. We sought to investigate predictors of OH to assist the clinician in identifying patients at risk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Database of 2696 patients attending a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) clinic between January 2006 and May 2009 was examined. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine clinical associates of OH. Demographics, co-morbidities, cardiovascular risk factors and medications were included in the multivariate models. Simple data mining models in the form of rule sets were developed for each component and they were assessed for predictive accuracy. The best models were validated on a smaller sample. Prevalence of OH was 22.3% in the TIA clinic population (50.6% men, mean 72 years; 49.4% women, mean 75 years). A significant postural drop in systolic blood pressure (BP) (≥ 20 mmHg) was more prevalent than a significant diastolic BP drop (≥ 10 mmHg). Isolated systolic hypertension was common (52.4%). Common factors predicting a significant systolic and diastolic BP fall were older age, previous TIA, being a current smoker, having diabetes and the use of beta-blockers. Both mean arterial and pulse pressure (MAP and PP) derived from supine BP were significantly associated with OH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  OH should be assessed routinely in TIA clinics. MAP and PP may provide information on the predictability of OH.
authors.affiliation: School of Computing Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: de la Iglesia
authors.forename: Alice C L
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.forename: Anthony K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Metcalf
authors.forename: Phyo Kyaw
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Myint
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D062186:Arterial Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003971:Diastole; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D013599:Systole
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists