Marcum ZA, Perera S, Newman AB, Thorpe JM, Switzer GE, Gray SL, Simonsick EM, Shorr RI, Bauer DC, Castle NG, Studenski SA, Hanlon JT. J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 2015; 70(12): 1562-1568.
Affiliation
Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Department of Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology, and Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pennsylvania.
BACKGROUND: Despite wide-spread use of antihypertensives in older adults, the literature is unclear about their association with incident recurrent falls over time.
METHODS: Health, Aging and Body Composition study participants (n = 2,948) who were well functioning at baseline (1997) were followed to Year 7 (2004). The main outcome was recurrent falls (≥2) in the ensuing 12 months. Antihypertensive use was examined as: (a) any versus none, (b) long- versus short-term (≥2 vs <2 years), and by (c) summated standardized daily dose (SDD; 1 = maximum recommended daily dose for one antihypertensive), and (d) subclass.
RESULTS: Controlling for potential demographic, health status/behavior and access to care confounders, we found no increase in risk of recurrent falls in antihypertensive users compared to nonusers (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.88-1.46), or those taking higher SDDs or for longer durations. Only those using a loop diuretic were found to have a modest increased risk of recurrent falls (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.11-2.03).
CONCLUSIONS: Antihypertensive use overall was not statistically significantly associated with recurrent falls after adjusting for important confounders. Loop diuretic use may be associated with recurrent falls and needs further study.