The magnitude of increase in systolic blood pressure in response to the shift from supine to upright posture is considered to reflect the adequacy of orthostatic regulation. Orthostatic integrity is largely maintained by the interaction between the skeletal muscle pump, neurovascular compensation, neurohumoral effects, and cerebral blood flow regulation. Various physiological states and disease conditions may disrupt these mechanisms as seen in vasovagal syncope, dysautonomic orthostatic intolerance, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and decreased cerebral blood flow are strongly related. Even subclinical OH has been associated to different degrees with impaired cognitive function, decreased effort, reduced motivation, increased hopelessness, and signs of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and dementia, diabetes mellitus, and Parkinson disease. Furthermore, subclinical levels of inadequate blood pressure regulation in response to orthostasis have been linked to increased depression and anxiety and intergenerational behavioral sequelae between mother and child. Identifying causes of subclinical and clinical OH is critical in improving quality of life for both children and older adults. A better understanding of the underlying causes responsible for the etiology of OH could lead to a rational design of novel effective therapeutic regimens for the treatment of this condition and associated comorbidities.

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

Subclinical levels of orthostatic hypotension (OH) have been linked to a variety of emotional and behavioral outcomes across the life span. These connections are not surprising, given the multitude of correlated conditions, including autonomic control, cardiovascular functioning, baroreceptor activity, and dopamine and serotonin. The current study assessed blood pressure regulation in healthy preschool children ages 3-5 (n = 61). The Conner's Parent Rating Scale Revised was used to assess indexes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With the difference between standing and supine pulse pressure as the index of orthostatic blood pressure regulation, the results indicated that efficient pulse pressure regulation was significantly correlated with lower ADHD scores. Poorer orthostatic pulse pressure regulation in response to an orthostatic challenge may be a risk for symptoms of ADHD.

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