Cardiac causes for falls and their treatment

Clin Geriatr Med. 2010 Nov;26(4):539-67. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2010.07.006.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disorders are a common cause of falls and syncope in older adults. The most common cardiac disorders linked to falls and syncope are carotid sinus syndrome, postprandial hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, vasovagal syncope, and bradyarrhythmias. It is important to recognize these conditions, because they may be associated with an increased mortality. Most are easily treatable.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Carotid Sinus / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hypotension / complications
  • Hypotension / etiology*
  • Hypotension / therapy
  • Syncope / complications
  • Syncope / etiology*
  • Syncope / therapy
  • Syndrome