open access
Falls in hypertensive geriatric patients - risk assessment carried out within one year of sustaining a fall
open access
Abstract
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.
Abstract
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.
Keywords
falls; elderly; hypertension; risk factors
Title
Falls in hypertensive geriatric patients - risk assessment carried out within one year of sustaining a fall
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original paper
Pages
112-117
Published online
2005-04-11
Page views
1614
Article views/downloads
4511
Bibliographic record
Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2005;9(2):112-117.
Keywords
falls
elderly
hypertension
risk factors
Authors
Marek Żak
Barbara Gryglewska