A study conducted by Rutgers Health researchers has found that blood pressure medications double the risk of life-threatening bone fractures in nursing home residents. The medications have been linked to impaired balance, particularly when patients stand up and experience temporary low blood pressure, which deprives the brain of oxygen. This increased risk is further exacerbated by interactions with other drugs and the already low baseline balance of many nursing home residents. The lead author of the study, Chintan Dave, emphasized the alarming statistic that 40 percent of those who fracture a hip in a nursing home die within the next year, making it crucial to address this issue.
The study analyzed data from nearly 30,000 elderly patients in long-term care facilities from 2006 to 2019. Researchers compared the 30-day risk of fractures in patients who started using blood pressure medications with those who did not. Factors such as patient demographics and clinical history were taken into account to ascertain that the medication use was driving the different outcomes. The results showed that residents who started blood pressure medication had a 30-day fracture risk of 5.4 per 100 people per year, compared to 2.2 per 100 people per year for unmedicated patients.
Further analysis revealed that certain subgroups, such as patients with dementia, high systolic and diastolic blood pressure, or no recent use of blood pressure medication, experienced a particularly elevated fracture risk. These findings raise concerns about the impact of blood pressure medication on the safety of nursing home residents, as falls are a common occurrence in these facilities, resulting in serious injuries for up to 25 percent of cases. The study suggests that reducing medication use and providing better support could significantly decrease the risk of fractures and falls in this vulnerable population.
With approximately 2.5 million Americans residing in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, the implications of this study are significant in terms of improving patient outcomes and safety. Dave stressed the importance of healthcare providers having accurate data regarding the risks associated with blood pressure medication to effectively balance the benefits of treatment with the potential dangers. By raising awareness of these findings, caregivers can make more informed decisions to better serve their patients and mitigate the risks of bone fractures in nursing home residents.
In conclusion, the Rutgers Health study sheds light on the risks associated with blood pressure medications in nursing home residents and the need for appropriate monitoring and support to prevent life-threatening bone fractures. The study’s findings underscore the importance of considering individual patient factors, such as dementia and blood pressure levels, when prescribing medication in this population. By addressing these concerns and implementing strategies to reduce falls and fractures, caregivers can improve the overall safety and well-being of nursing home residents.