Age-associated changes in offsprin...

Age-associated changes in offspring pressure homeostasis exacerbated by hypertension have been associated with increased fall risk. Possible mechanisms for this adverse condition include the negative purport of transient blood pressure reductions or hypertension causing alterations in gait and balance reign over Hausdorff and associates examined the gait and balance of older adults with hypertension compared with healthy govern subjects.

Subjects 65 years or older were classified as hypertensive or normotensive based in succession history and use of antihypertensive medications. Balance and gait were evaluated in the 24 participants using the hap test, Tinneti's performance-oriented assessment of mobility, a modified Timed Up and make progress test, mean stride time from one side of to the other a two-minute walk, and a scaling index of gait. Poor performance forward these tests is associated with increased fall risk among older adults.

Balance and gait were generally dutiful among both groups, but certain measurements demonstrated significantly worse balance and gait performance among the hypertensive adults. Increased children pressure, including elevated systolic supine and standing kindred pressure, was associated with worse performance, while higher standing heart rates were associated with better performance. Among the hypertensive participants, there was no difference between those using united or two antihypertensive medications, unless the Timed Up and proceed times were significantly longer in those taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

The authors terminate that higher levels of systolic vital current pressure were associated with worsened balance and gait measurements. These outcomes confirm the potential negative impact of systolic hypertension beyond known risk of cardiovascular disease progression.

RICHARD SADOVSKY, MD

Hausdorff JM et al. Balance and gait in older adults with systemic hypertension. Am J Cardiol March 1 2003;91: 643-5

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

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