Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy and Falls in Old People: Risks and Prevention—An Observational Case–Control Study

<b>Background:</b> Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults and are influenced by comorbidities and polypharmacy. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their associated treatments are particularly prevalent in this population and may contribute to fall risk. <b>Objectives:</b> The objectives of this study were to examine the association between cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and fall risk in older adults and to identify potential preventive strategies. <b>Methods:</b> This observational case-control study was conducted between June and December 2024 and included 200 participants aged over 55 years who provided informed consent. Participants were assessed using the Downton Fall Risk Index and divided into two equal groups, with those at high risk of falling and controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment, including anamnesis, clinical evaluation, and laboratory testing focused on cardiovascular risk factors. The prevalence of CVD and the use of specific cardiovascular medications were analyzed. <b>Results:</b> Patients at high risk of falling showed significant differences compared to the control group in several parameters, including systolic blood pressure (SBP: 140.41 mmHg vs. 151.28 mmHg, <i>p</i> = 0.001), ankle brachial index (left ABI: 1.09 vs. 1.15., <i>p</i> = 0.033), and presence of cardiovascular diseases (<i>p</i> = 0.001), as well as total cholesterol (<i>p</i> = 0.005) and triglyceride levels (<i>p</i> = 0.047). Certain cardiovascular medications were significantly associated with increased fall risk, including spironolactone (OR = 4.10, <i>p</i> = 0.001), beta-blockers (OR = 1.88, <i>p</i> = 0.031), and calcium channel blockers (OR = 2.05, <i>p</i> = 0.014), especially in combination with one another. Additional risk factors included frailty, cognitive impairment, diabetes, and neurological or osteoarticular conditions. Interventions such as medication review, deprescribing, and dosage adjustments may help reduce fall risk without compromising cardiovascular disease management. <b>Conclusions:</b> Cardiovascular diseases and related pharmacotherapy are significantly associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults. Regular medication reviews, deprescribing where appropriate, and individualized treatment plans may help minimize fall risk while maintaining the effective cardiovascular care of this vulnerable population.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-06-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134570
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
8.03
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article

Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy and Falls in Old People: Risks and Prevention—An Observational Case–Control Study

Ramona Ștefăniu, Adina Carmen Ilie, Anca Iuliana Pîslaru, Sorina Maria Aurelian et al.
4 citations
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
8.03
article

Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy and Falls in Old People: Risks and Prevention—An Observational Case–Control Study

Ramona Ștefăniu, Adina Carmen Ilie, Anca Iuliana Pîslaru, Sorina Maria Aurelian, Corina Oancea, Sabinne-Marie Albişteanu, Ana Gabriela Prada, Ioana Dana Alexa, Sandra Monica Gîdei, Sonia Dragoescu
article en
4 citations

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults and are influenced by comorbidities and polypharmacy. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their associated treatments are particularly prevalent in this population and may contribute to fall risk. <b>Objectives:</b> The objectives of this study were to examine the association between cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and fall risk in older adults and to identify potential preventive strategies. <b>Methods:</b> This observational case-control study was conducted between June and December 2024 and included 200 participants aged over 55 years who provided informed consent. Participants were assessed using the Downton Fall Risk Index and divided into two equal groups, with those at high risk of falling and controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment, including anamnesis, clinical evaluation, and laboratory testing focused on cardiovascular risk factors. The prevalence of CVD and the use of specific cardiovascular medications were analyzed. <b>Results:</b> Patients at high risk of falling showed significant differences compared to the control group in several parameters, including systolic blood pressure (SBP: 140.41 mmHg vs. 151.28 mmHg, <i>p</i> = 0.001), ankle brachial index (left ABI: 1.09 vs. 1.15., <i>p</i> = 0.033), and presence of cardiovascular diseases (<i>p</i> = 0.001), as well as total cholesterol (<i>p</i> = 0.005) and triglyceride levels (<i>p</i> = 0.047). Certain cardiovascular medications were significantly associated with increased fall risk, including spironolactone (OR = 4.10, <i>p</i> = 0.001), beta-blockers (OR = 1.88, <i>p</i> = 0.031), and calcium channel blockers (OR = 2.05, <i>p</i> = 0.014), especially in combination with one another. Additional risk factors included frailty, cognitive impairment, diabetes, and neurological or osteoarticular conditions. Interventions such as medication review, deprescribing, and dosage adjustments may help reduce fall risk without compromising cardiovascular disease management. <b>Conclusions:</b> Cardiovascular diseases and related pharmacotherapy are significantly associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults. Regular medication reviews, deprescribing where appropriate, and individualized treatment plans may help minimize fall risk while maintaining the effective cardiovascular care of this vulnerable population.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(13)
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
8.03
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