CARDIAC OUTPUT IN POSTURAL HYPOTENSION 1

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Abstract
Observations were made on postural reactions of cardiac output (by the Fick principle) and blood pressure in 12 subjects with postural hypotension. Marked postural hypotension can occur with no more than a normal postural decrease in cardiac output. However, large postural falls in arterial pressure were often associated with large falls in cardiac output. Large infusions of human serum albumin were of assistance in maintaining both cardiac output and blood pressure in the tilted position. The data suggest that postural hypotension is primarily dependent upon inadequate arteriolar tone in the upright position. Postural hypotension is often intensified by a large postural fall in cardiac output. It is suggested that this may result from an associated deficiency in venous tone.