Falls in hypertensive geriatric patients - risk assessment carried out within one year of sustaining a fall

Abstract

Background Falls in the elderly population are a major geriatric problem and they may be more often in the presence of cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. The study aimed to assess potential risk of fall among elderly hypertensives within one year of sustaining one.
Materials and methods Throughout 2000–2004 the study covered 88 patients (62 F, 26 M; age range: 78–95 years). Potential risk of falls was assessed twice using the Tinetti test, initially — within a week of sustaining a fall and then again — within one year.
Results In 30% of subjects potential risk of fall increased (p = 0.002) within a year. Getting up into a fully upright position and maintaining an immediate standing balance proved the most risky postural shifts, adversely affecting 27% (p = 0.004) and 36% (p = 0.001) of the subjects, respectively. Within one year potential risk of fall also manifestly increased in 25% of subjects (p = 0.002) who were nudged when standing fully upright, or who attempted to turn around by 360°.
Conclusions In a significant proportion of hypertensive geriatic subjects potential risk of fall was found to have increased within one year of sustaining one, whereas maintaining a fully upright position carried by far greater risk.