Analysis of Fall Risk Factors During Pharmacotherapy in Elderly Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases in Real Clinical Practice
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The problem of falls among elderly and senile patients represents a significant medical and social concern, particularly in the context of population aging. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of falls and their association with pharmacotherapy in a real-world clinical setting. A total of 86 patients aged ≥60 years, hospitalized in cardiology and internal medicine departments of medical institutions in Kyrgyzstan, were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that evaluated the frequency of falls, medications taken, and associated risk factors. Falls were reported in 30.2% of patients (n = 26). Women were more likely to experience falls than men (36.5% vs. 20.5%), though the difference was not statistically significant. The lowest fall risk was observed in patients with isolated hypertension (OR = 0.25; RR = 0.34), while the highest risk was found in patients with a combination of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and type 2 diabetes (OR = 3.43; RR = 2.21), with statistically significant differences across diagnostic categories (p = 0.0148). The mean age of patients with falls was 71 years, compared to 68 years among those without, but no significant difference was found between age groups. Patients who experienced falls were prescribed 92 potentially fall-risk-increasing medications, with an average of 3.5 drugs per patient. The most frequently used drug classes included hypoglycemic agents, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. Common drug combinations included both antihypertensive and antidiabetic agents. The findings underscore the high prevalence of falls among elderly multimorbid patients and their association with specific drug groups, particularly in the context of polypharmacy. These results highlight the need for careful review of pharmacotherapy and implementation of fall prevention strategies in this vulnerable population.
Author: Sharaeva A.
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6912323577
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