Study finds that drugs commonly used for atrial fibrillation can increase risk of falls
Fainting and falls are serious health concerns for older people. They can lead to injury, hospitalization, and other severe consequences.
Certain chronic conditions, as well as taking certain medications, can raise your risk of experiencing falls and fall-related injuries.
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper (atrial) part of your heart contracts rapidly and irregularly (fibrillates). Atrial fibrillation may be continuous or occasional and is the most common irregular heart rhythm in older adults. It occurs in three to five percent of people over age 65.
“Our findings add evidence that, for older patients with atrial fibrillation, treatment with amiodarone is associated with a higher risk of fall-related injuries and fainting”
This study evaluated the potential risk for falls and fainting among older adults taking medication for atrial fibrillation. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Using Danish health data, the researchers identified 100,935 atrial fibrillation patients 65 years or older who filled prescriptions for heart rhythm medications.
The researchers examined the medication of beta-blockers, certain calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), and digoxin. Other medications included amiodarone, flecainide, and propafenone.
Then the researchers looked for those patients who had emergency department visits or hospital admissions for fainting, fall-related injuries, or both.
The researchers followed the patients for about two and a half years. During the follow-up period:
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17,132 (17 percent) had a fall-related injury
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5,745 (5.7 percent) had a fainting episode
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21,093 (20.9 percent) had either a fall-related or fainting-related injury
There were 40,447 deaths without a fall-related injury or fainting episode, which accounted for 40.1 percent of study participants.
Results showed that the medication amiodarone was significantly associated with increased risk, whether it was prescribed alone or with other heart rhythm drugs. The medication digoxin was slightly associated with fall-related injuries.
The researchers also learned that people were at higher risk for an injury within the first 90 days of treatment, and especially within the first 14 days of treatment.
“Our findings add evidence that, for older patients with atrial fibrillation, treatment with amiodarone is associated with a higher risk of fall-related injuries and fainting,” said the researchers.
Additionally, the amiodarone connection was strongest within the first two weeks of the treatment but still present after long-term treatment.
