In a nutshell
In this study, the reserachers examined whether antihypertensive medication increases the risk of bad falls in elderly people.
Some background
As we age blood pressure tends to go up. Higher blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Anti-hypertensive medications can be used to lower high blood pressure. There is 28% decreased chance of stroke or heart attack in elderly patients when taking anti-hypertensive medication.
However, hypertensive medications have side effects. One of the side effects of lowering blood pressure is dizziness when standing up. This can lead to a patient feeling light-headed or even fainting. This puts elderly people at serious risk of falling, causing bone fracture or head injury. Fractures and head injuries can be as serious as a stroke or heart attack in this population.
Methods & findings
In this study, the reserachers weighed the risks and benefits of anti-hypertensive medications in elderly patients.
This study included 4,961 patients over 70 years of age. The number of patient falls requiring medical assistence was recorded.
Of these patients, 14.1% were not taking any medication for high blood pressure. 54.6% were taking medication for moderatly high blood pressure. 31.1% were taking strong medication for very high blood pressure.
9% of patients not taking medication had a serious fall. 11.6% of patients on moderate treatment for high blood pressure had a serious fall. 10.9% of patients on strong medication for high blood pressure experienced a serious fall.
The study found that patients taking strong anti-hypetensive medication were 28% more likely to experience a serious fall. Patients taking medication for moderate high blood pressure were 40% more likely than those not taking medication to experience a fall.
A fall in the prior year more than doubled the risk of a second fall in those on medication compared to those who were not.
The bottom line
The researchers concluded that there was an increased risk of falling when taking anti-hypertensive medication in the elderly.
What’s next?
Discuss the risks and benefits associated with anti-hypertensive medication with your physician.
Published By :
JAMA Internal Medicine
Date :
Feb 24, 2014
