Postprandial hypotension management

When managing episodes of postprandial hypotension, it is important to consider:  

• Food temperature: colder food temperatures are less likely to trigger postprandial hypotension. 
• High-fibre foods, which take longer to digest and may be less likely to lead to blood pressure drops after a meal. Common high-fibre foods include multigrain bread, rolled oats, wholemeal pasta, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. 
• That post-breakfast may be the highest risk timing, when postprandial hypotension is most likely to occur. 
• Personal safety: if there have been episodes of postprandial hypotension, particularly at high-risk times (up to two hours after a meal).  
• Other methods that can be utilised to assist with maintaining blood pressure, as outlined in orthostatic hypotension management. 

Liaise with a medical specialist in the Spinal Injuries Unit for consideration of medications for postprandial hypotension.