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A review of orthostatic blood pressure regulation and its association with mood and cognition

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Abstract

Aims

This paper will review literature that examines the psychological and neuropsychological correlates of orthostatic blood pressure regulation.

Results

The pattern of change in systolic blood pressure in response to the shift from supine to upright posture reflects the adequacy of orthostatic regulation. Orthostatic integrity involves the skeletal muscle pump, neurovascular compensation, neurohumoral effects and cerebral flow regulation. Various physiological states and disease conditions may disrupt these mechanisms. Clinical and subclinical orthostatic hypotension has been associated with impaired cognitive function, decreased effort, reduced motivation and increased hopelessness as well as dementia, diabetes mellitus, and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, inadequate blood pressure regulation in response to orthostasis has been linked to increased depression and anxiety as well as to intergenerational behavioral sequalae.

Conclusions

Identifying possible causes and consequences of subclinical and clinical OH are critical in improving quality of life for both children and older adults.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA

    Lawrence C. Perlmuter & Vanessa Casavant

  2. Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA

    Garima Sarda, Kimberly O’Hara & Mariah Hindes

  3. Physician Assistant Program, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA

    Patrick T. Knott

  4. Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA

    Aron D. Mosnaim

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  1. Lawrence C. Perlmuter
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  2. Garima Sarda
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Correspondence to Lawrence C. Perlmuter.

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Perlmuter, L.C., Sarda, G., Casavant, V. et al. A review of orthostatic blood pressure regulation and its association with mood and cognition. Clin Auton Res 22, 99–107 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-011-0145-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-011-0145-3

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