Heart Failure

A recent research indicates, a person who experienced headaches or dizziness when standing due to blood pressure dropped suddenly, have a greater risk of heart failure. In medical terms this condition is commonly known as orthostatic hypotension.

Research indicates that those who have a 54 percent risk of orthostatic hypotension is more likely to experience heart failure than their peers who do not have low blood pressure when standing. While the risk in people with hypertension tend to be reduced to 34 percent.

"Some risk factors can increase a person's risk for developing heart failure, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes and orthostatic hypotension," explained researcher, Dr Christine Jones DeLong of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Heart failure is a condition where the amount of blood pumped by the heart each minute is not able to meet the normal needs of the body. U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute noted nearly 5.7 million people in the United States have heart failure, and about 300,000 people die each year.

Investigators said he did not know exactly how orthostatic hypotension can lead to heart failure. "We speculate that the orthostatic hypotension and high blood pressure can lead to heart failure risk by the same route, such as hypertension, occurs when people are asleep," he added.

In the latest study, researchers included more than 12,000 participants (aged 45-64 years) from four regions in the U.S.. Nearly 11 percent of people who develop heart failure during the approximately 17.5-year study period were found to have orthostatic hypotension at baseline. While those without orthostatic hypotension only 4 percent who develop heart failure.

The relationship between orthostatic hypotension and heart failure clearly visible among people aged 45-55 years. The findings were published on March 19, 2012 in Hypertension.

Researchers say people with orthostatic hypotension who also have hypertension should take steps to control blood pressure, heart conditions and ensure they are in good health.

The scientists speculate, orthostatic hypotension may be an early indicator of progression of atherosclerosis - the buildup of plaque in the arteries - caused by high blood pressure. However, this study does suggest that orthostatic hypotension as a cause of heart failure.

Meanwhile, Dr. Robert Myerburg, professor of cardiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine said it is too early to conclude that orthostatic hypotension as a risk factor for heart failure.

"Orthostatic hypotension can lead to cause loss of consciousness that led to the accident, but this is not something that causes a heart attack," he said.

Myerburg also advised to consume more fluids, especially for people with orthostatic hypotension. "If it does not interfere or cause significant symptoms, you do not have to treat it," tambahya.

On the other hand, Dr. Tara Narula, a cardiologist from Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City, said that whatever the findings may help to diagnose heart failure early would be very beneficial.
"This is an interesting finding, and if orthostatic hypotension proved to be the cause or causes of heart failure, we may be able to identify heart failure earlier than we can right now."