When elderly patients start taking blood pressure medication, their risk of falls and fractures goes up significantly. Canadian researchers analyzed data from more than 300,000 senior citizens newly diagnosed with hypertension. Following the first six weeks after receiving a medication for high blood pressure these old patients experienced a 43 percent increased risk of experiencing a hip fracture compared to control subjects not taking blood pressure pills.
The immediate increased risk of fractures is consistent with other studies demonstrating a dramatically increased risk of falls following introduction of such medications. Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors were especially problematic.
The authors speculate that low blood pressure upon standing can lead to dizziness, fainting and falls. Resulting hip fractures can cause disability or even death. That is why it is important for physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of aggressive blood pressure treatment to make sure the cure is not worse than the condition being treated.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 10/24, 2012]
The People's Perspective on Medicine