Prevention of falls in the elderly and senile patients with cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

A fall is defined as an event, which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level, except in cases, which are the result of a blow, loss of consciousness, sudden paralysis or an epilepsy [1]. Falls and fear of falling cause serious health problems, which, in turn are associated with high injury rate, high medical costs and a negative impact on quality of life. Older and senile patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at high risk of falling. However, in clinical practice, the prevalence of falls and the risks of falls are not well understood and underestimated by physicians and patients themselves. An increased risk of falling is associated with various factors, such as drugs, structural heart disease, orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias, as well as gait and balance disorders, physical weakness, sensory disturbances. These risks are especially important with the growing number of older people with cardiovascular disease. All physicians involved in  the care of  patients with CVD should pay attention to  the assessment, prevention and treatment of falls in adults with heart disease, and the treatment of cardiovascular disease in patients at risk of falls.