Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of ambulation training combined with Buerger movement on improving postprandial hypotension (PPH) after breakfast in the elderly inpatients with hypertension. Methods The elderly hypertensive patients hospitalized in Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine of Nanjing Chest Hospital were selected as the research subjects. The Plan-Do-Check-Action (PDCA) management method was used to analyze the reasons for the high incidence rate of PPH after breakfast in 33 patients (control group) who were hospitalized from November 15, 2021 to April 17, 2022, and 38 patients (observation group) who were hospitalized from May 5 to October 31, 2022 received ambulation training combined with Buerger movement after breakfast. The incidence rate of PPH 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after breakfast, the awareness of PPH knowledge, and the proportion of active exercise after breakfast were compared between the two groups. The awareness of PPH knowledge and implementation rate of propaganda and education among the nurses before and after project implementation were compared. Results There were no significant differences in gender, age and systolic blood pressure (SBP) between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence rate of PPH after breakfast in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (15.79% vs 45.45%, P=0.006). The awareness rates of PPH concept, susceptible population and occurrence time, and the proportion of active exercise after breakfast in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.01). After the implementation of the project, the awareness rates of PPH concept, characteristics, occurrence time and non-drug prevention measures, and the implementation rate of PPH propaganda and education among the nurses were significantly improved (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions Ambulation training combined with Buerger movement can effectively reduce the occurrence of PPH after breakfast in the elderly inpatients with hypertension, and the PDCA program can improve the awareness rate of PPH knowledge among the patients and nurses, conduce to the early identification and intervention, and minimize the harm of PPH.

Key words: ambulation training;Buerger movement, aged;hypertension;postprandial hypotension, breakfast