Recently, you may have received an important message about the risk of falls and fractures when adding new anti-hypertension medications. It importantly stresses the risk of falls and fractures in the first two weeks after adding additional anti-hypertensive therapy: see Antihypertension BP fall prevention. Here are a few additional preventative steps to consider.
When discussing the risks with your doctor, you will want to be thinking about how to prevent falls related to BP medications. Because BP meds can produce postural hypotension, it’s reasonable for patients to check their BP both sitting and standing (the BP often significantly falls with standing). If your systolic drops below 100 mmHg you are certainly at risk for falls. Also, electrolyte imbalance can at times play a role. Low sodium can cause weakness and low potassium as well. So as an advocate, I’d suggest you ask your doc to check your electrolytes; and also home monitor your BP twice daily sitting and standing at least for the first few weeks after BP medication changes. Additionally, after sitting or lying down – hang onto something and gain equilibrium before walking, especially when getting up at night.
Hi Jim – I see this problem a lot with the seniors I work with. Sometimes, their BP can change while using their wheelchair leaving then dizzy and unbalanced. I often tell them to rest for a minute and start out slow. So, is it also good advice to not stand up quickly too. For example, if they are laying down, they should come up to a sitting position, rest, and then stand while holding onto something? Thanks for your advice.