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.