A case of postprandial hypotension presenting with postprandial dizziness.
- Author:
Sang Kyoon KIM
1
;
Kyoung Hee NOH
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Yeolin Medical Clinic, Jeongeup, Korea. chicdoc@nate.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Postprandial hypotension;
Postprandial dizziness;
Autonomic neuropathy
- MeSH:
Acarbose;
alpha-Glucosidases;
Angina Pectoris;
Autonomic Nervous System;
Blood Pressure;
Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory;
Brain;
Dizziness;
Glucose;
Humans;
Hypotension;
Intestines;
Ischemic Attack, Transient;
Meals;
Syncope
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2008;75(3):358-361
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Postprandial hypotension is an important minor clinical problem. It is a common disorder that causes unexplained dizziness, falls, lightheadedness, syncope, angina pectoris, and even transient ischemic attacks of the brain. It is often defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure by more than 20 mmHg within 2 hours after a meal. The mechanism of postprandial hypotension is splanchnic blood pooling via the loading of glucose in the intestine and decompensation of the autonomic nervous system. The best tool for detecting a fall in systolic blood pressure is 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Acarbose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, is very useful for preventing postprandial hypotension. We experienced a case of postprandial hypotension that presented with postprandial dizziness. The patient was treated successfully with acarbose before each meal.
