Link between cardiovascular disease and the risk of falling: a comprehensive review of the evidence

Pol Arch Intern Med. 2021 Apr 29;131(4):369-376. doi: 10.20452/pamw.15849. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Abstract

Falls are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, rising hospital readmission rates, decreased patient independence, and strained healthcare resources. In aged populations and individuals with multimorbidity, cardiovascular conditions may contribute towards an increased propensity to fall. The prevalence of cardiovascular conditions generally increases with age, and understanding potential fall risk factors may help to minimize the risk of falls and develop preventive interventions. Acting on even one such risk factor or introducing an appropriate intervention may reduce the overall propensity for a patient to fall. Further prevention strategies primed towards cardiovascular ailments should be elucidated and trialed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls* / prevention & control
  • Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors