# Are Orthostatic Vital Signs Helpful in the ED?

About This Podcast

There is some confusion, disagreement, and misunderstanding surrounding orthostatic vitals in the ED. Older patients have a high rate of incidentally-found positive orthostatic vital signs, typically because of heart-rate changes. So emergency physicians may be reluctant to request orthostatics. However, in patients with syncope or falls, the presence of orthostatic hypotension and of symptoms may actually be helpful. It can help clarify the cause of syncope, potentially help avoid unnecessary testing or hospitalization, and can also help direct treatment and interventions to prevent future syncope or falls. 

In this episode, Maura Kennedy talks us through a recent paper she authored on orthostatic vitals in older adults in the ED.

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https://youtu.be/WBb-h4mB52Y

Acute Geriatrics| June 21, 2018

Reconsidering orthostatic vital signs in older emergency department patients

Read the full study by Dr. Kennedy reviewing orthostatic hypotension. 

View Article

Next, listen to Be ADEPT: An approach to the older patient with confusion or agitation with Dr. Sandy Schneider

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This podcast uses sounds from freesound.org by Jobro and HerbertBoland

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