Blood Pressure Meds Double Fracture Risk in‍ Nursing Homes, Study Finds

‌ Updated June 14, 2025

Blood pressure ‍medications can significantly elevate the risk ​of bone fractures​ among nursing home residents, according to Rutgers Health research. The ​study, analyzing data‍ from ​nearly 30,000 residents, revealed that ‌the role of these drugs in increasing fracture risk is significant, particularly for those with⁣ dementia.

The increased risk is attributed to the medications’ impact on balance, especially when patients stand, leading to temporary ⁣low ⁣blood pressure and reduced oxygen flow to ​the brain. This effect is amplified by interactions with⁣ othre medications and pre-existing balance issues common in this population.⁣ The research highlights the importance of understanding the job role ‍of caregivers in monitoring patients.

Chintan Dave, ⁤academic⁤ director at the Rutgers⁢ Center for health​ Outcomes, Policy and Economics, emphasized⁢ the severity of the⁣ issue. ⁤”Bone fractures often start nursing home patients on a downward spiral,” ⁢Dave said. He noted that ‍a large percentage of hip fracture patients die within ⁢a year, making the increased risk associated with these medications particularly concerning. The role ​ of medication needs ⁤to be carefully considered.

The research ‌team scrutinized Veterans Health Governance data from nearly ​30,000 elderly patients in long-term⁢ care between ⁣2006 and 2019. They ⁤compared fracture risks within 30 days for patients starting blood pressure medication to ‌those not on⁣ such ⁣medication,adjusting for over 50 ‍factors like ⁢demographics and⁢ medical⁤ history.

The 30-day fracture risk was 5.4 per 100 people annually⁣ for those⁣ starting blood pressure medication,⁤ compared to 2.2 per 100 for those not taking the drugs.

Further analysis identified subgroups at even greater risk. Patients with⁣ dementia, high systolic blood⁤ pressure (above 139), high ⁢diastolic⁢ blood pressure ⁤(above 79), or no recent history of blood pressure⁣ medication use experienced⁣ at least​ triple‌ the ⁤fracture risk compared to‌ unmedicated⁣ patients.

With about 2.5 million Americans in nursing homes or assisted living, ⁣falls⁣ are a frequent concern. Up to half of residents experience‍ falls annually,with a quarter resulting in serious injuries.

The Rutgers Health study suggests that blood pressure​ medication contributes significantly ‌to these‌ falls and that a combination of reduced‍ medication⁢ use and enhanced support could mitigate the problem.

“Caregivers can’t ​strike this right balance of risk and reward ⁢if they don’t have accurate data about the risks,” Dave said. “I hope this study gives them⁤ facts that helps them serve their patients better.”

What’s ⁢next

The study calls for increased vigilance in monitoring nursing home residents⁤ on blood pressure medication, especially when treatment begins, to minimize‌ the risk of falls and fractures.