Proof of Principle Clinical Study to Evaluate a Novel Medical Device for Orthostatic Hypotension

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Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a very common and debilitating condition, caused by a drop in blood pressure (BP) on standing up. It can cause symptoms such as dizziness, falls and fainting. It affects up to one in five older people, reduces their quality of life and increases their risk of hospitalisation and dementia.There has been very little research on how best to treat this condition but, due to the nature of the condition, medications are not the best option. People with OH have previously reported that they prefer non-drug treatments, but these have poor adherence (e.g. drinking large volumes of water). Activating the muscles during standing is one potential treatment and a device has been invented by the company lsotech Ltd, who specialise in inventing and developing medical devices to improve quality of life. Their new device is worn as a wristwatch which when activated by the patient, causes contraction of muscles which temporarily increases BP, which should help relieve symptoms on standing up and prevent falls and injuries.This device would dramatically improve the way this condition is managed and could help huge numbers of older people.