The Measurement of Orthostatic Tolerance

Abstract

The problem of orthostatic tolerance is discussed with respect to the factors affecting it, methods of assessment, and the analysis of orthostatic data. Orthostatic heart rate and blood pressure and responses of fainters and nonfainters measured by different methods are illustrated. It is shown that different tilt tables result in similar orthostatic responses, that results obtained in standing are not necessarily related to tilt-table responses, that qualitative and quantitative orthostatic responses are closely related, and that reclining heart rate alone can indicate tilt tolerance.