5th November 2021

A 70-year-old gentleman presents to his GP having had a fall. He believes he was unconscious only for a couple of seconds

A 70-year-old gentleman presents to his GP having had a fall. He believes he was unconscious only for a couple of seconds. Before he fell, he sat in his armchair for roughly an hour. He believes it was when he got up that he lost all power in his legs and fainted. This is the third time the patient has experienced a similar type of fall. On examination, heart sounds are normal. The GP suspected orthostatic hypotension following the first fall and suggested the patient wear compression stockings. This, however, was not tolerated. The GP subsequently considers starting the patient on a medicine. What medicine is the GP likely to prescribe to combat the sustained low blood pressure?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.