Cardiovacular causes of falls in the elderly
These include:
Neurally mediated syndrome
- vasovagal (neurocardiogenic) syncope
- carotid sinus syndrome
- postural hypotension: - secondary to intercurrent illness aggravated by chronic venous insufficiency - age associated autonomic neuropathy - drugs (diuretics, nitrates, tricyclic antidepressants, sedatives hypnotics and neuroleptics)
Cardiac abnormalities
- arrhythmias: - Age associated idiopathic fibrosis of conducting tissue may cause sino-atrial exit block, sick sinus syndrome, paroxysmal AF or heart block.
- structural abnormalities – valvular stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, aortic dissection
Miscellaneous
- pulmonary embolism
- TIA
- subclavial steel syndrome (1)
Reference:
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