P5723Falling risk factors in patients with arterial hypertension 55+ years old

Abstract

Purpose: Arterial hypertension (AH) is the most prevalent cardiac risk factor in old patients. Falls-related complications includes increased fear of falling; in-creased disability frailty, and mortality decreased activity levels, quality of life, and overall health status. Different previous studies has controversal viewpoints on the role off blood pressure in falls in people over 60 y old [1,2,3]. The aim of our study was to study falls in patients with AH 55+ years old finding fall risk factors in this population. Objectives: Evaluate STRATIFY scale in patients with AH Appreciate role of simple cardiac testing at admission for falls prediction Methods: We examined 146 patients. Main studied group consisted of 50 patients with AH who had experienced a fall during last 6 month. 96 patients with AH and no falls during this period were included into a control group. We also used STRATIFY scale as a well known tool for fall prediction. Patients with significant aortic/LVOT stenosis (maximum pressure gradient more than 25 mm Hg) and cardiac arrhythmias that can be related with falls (for example AV-block grade 2-3) were excluded Results: Falls were significantly more frequent in women (RR = 2.1; p=0.0263) Age was one of the most powerful fall risk factors as expected. Comparing with younger a group of patients (55-64 y old) patients 65 y old had a significantly increased risk of falling (RR = 1.49, p=0.0278; for patients over 70 y old RR = 2.98; p<0.00001). STRATIFY scale seemed to be a good option for fall prediction. In patients with 1 and 2 points according to STRATIFY scale falling risk were increased in 6.20 (p=0,0187) and 17.20 (p=0,000001) times respectively Patients who had experienced falls during last 6 month had significantly higher systolic, diastolic and pulsed blood pressure at admission without good blood pressure control (see picture). All differences in blood pressure were not repro-duced in patients at discharge. [Figure Presented] Conclusion: Ambulatory blood pressure control is important for fall prevention in people with AH 55+ years old. Strong BP contlol with good complince to pre-scribed medications is essential for fall-prevention in old people with AH.