Antihypertensive Use Tied to Higher Fall Risk Across Groups
A recent study found that initiating antihypertensive therapy in patients aged 40 and older is linked to a higher risk of hospitalization or death due to falls. This increased risk was observed across various demographic groups, including differences in sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The findings suggest that careful consideration is needed when prescribing antihypertensive medications to these patients.
- ▪The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million patients aged 40 years or older with systolic blood pressure readings of 130-179 mm Hg.
- ▪Hospitalization or death due to falls occurred in 4.2% of patients, with a higher rate of 7.1% in those who received antihypertensive treatment.
- ▪Elevated risks for hospitalization or death due to hypotension, syncope, and acute kidney injury were also noted among those treated with antihypertensives.
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TOPLINE:In patients aged 40 years or older with a systolic blood pressure of 130-179 mm Hg, initiating antihypertensive therapy was associated with an increased risk for hospitalisation or death due to falls, hypotension, syncope, and acute kidney injury. Increased risks were noted across subgroups based on sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.METHODOLOGY:Researchers conducted an observational cohort study using retrospective data from primary care from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database in England from 1998 to 2018.They included data of more than 2.5 million patients aged 40 years or older who had not previously received antihypertensive treatment and had systolic blood pressure readings of 130-179 mm Hg.Exposure to treatment was defined as receiving a…
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