The Effect of Antihypertensive Medication Use on Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare the short-term effects of three commonly prescribed blood pressure medications—beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers—on balance and the risk of falling. The study focuses on adults aged 18 to 75 years who are newly diagnosed with primary hypertension and have not used these medications before. It addresses important questions about how these drugs may affect balance, dizziness, and fear of falling during the initial treatment period. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups receiving either metoprolol (a beta-blocker), ramipril (an ACE inhibitor), or amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker). The exact dosage and agent will be determined by a cardiology clinic following standard guidelines. The treatments will be given over four weeks, with evaluations at the start (baseline), two weeks, and four weeks later. During the study, participants will undergo balance testing using the Biodex Balance System, including fall risk and postural stability tests, as well as the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance. They will also complete questionnaires measuring dizziness impact and fear of falling. These assessments will help researchers understand how the medications influence balance and fall risk. The main outcome is the fall risk score measured at three time points. The study will monitor participants for four weeks after starting treatment to collect all data.

Short-Term Effects of Antihypertensive Drugs on Postural Balance and Fall Risk