Hypotension

Last Updated on August 19, 2026

“Hypotension is always pathological until proven otherwise”

Causes of Hypotension

• Causes of Shock

Diagnosis of exclusion :
• Medications e.g. propofol , anti-hypertensive drugs

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💡 Notes
• For example, if SBP suddenly becomes <100 mmHg, you should look for causes of shock first, prior to considering other causes

Postural Hypotension

Definition
A fall of >15 mmHg in SBP // a fall of >10 mmHg in DBP , on standing

How?
1. Measure BP when patient is lying in bed
2. Ask patient to stand / sit up from a lying position (for at least 1 minute)
3. Measure BP on standing / sitting

Notes
An increase in HR >30 bpm on from lying to standing is a sign of hypovolaemia

Related Posts

• Shock
• Blood pressure

Q&A

Reference

1. Clinical Examination, 7th Edition: Talley & O’Connor