Postprandial Hypotension
Postprandial hypotension occurs in around 20% of the healthy elderly, and more than 40% of nursing home residents and patients with longstanding type 1 or 2 diabetes.
This phenomenon is more common than orthostatic hypotension, and current management is suboptimal. Research by the CRE has shown that the magnitude of the fall in blood pressure is related to the rate of nutrient delivery from the stomach into the small intestine.
Research
Mechanisms associated with falls in blood pressure after meals in the elderly
Dr Jones' research has led to fundamental changes to the management of patients with diabetes and postprandial hypotension; the latter are predominantly elderly.
Prof Jones has played the major role in studies that have established the pivotal role of gastric emptying in postprandial glycaemia, and the impact of variations in blood glucose on gastrointestinal symptoms.
Her current primary research focus relates to the impact of upper gastrointestinal motor function on postprandial blood pressure regulation and the potential for this to be modulated therapeutically.