Orthostatic Hypotension and Falls in the Elderly

Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where the person's blood pressure decreases when they stand up. People who are diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension are at greater risk for falls. The condition may be due to low blood sugar or dehydration. It is often treated with medicine to help the blood flow.

Several studies have looked at the relationship between OH and falls. Those studies have found that older adults with OH are at an increased risk of falling. However, there are inconclusive data on the prevalence of OH and its association with falling.

This study evaluated the relationship between orthostatic hypotension and falls in geriatric patients. Researchers extracted data from a number of facilities to determine the fall incidence rate. They found that 64% of individuals had experienced a fall within the previous year. alarms for elderly These were grouped into two groups, those that had not fallen previously and those that had fallen in the past.





A subset of 55 individuals were measured for cardiovascular data. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were recorded over a 15-min supine period. Blood pressure was measured at a number of intervals throughout the day. There was a significant correlation between the prospective falling risk and the initial time-point and the recovery time-point. Those who had a fall in the past were also at a higher risk.

personal medical alarm In another study, researchers evaluated the effects of orthostatic hypotension on falls in geriatric patients. These researchers asked clinicians to test for OH in more aggressive manner.