Health · Medical Research · 6 hrs ago
Hidden high blood pressure linked to more falls in older adults
A study of adults aged 78 to 98 found hidden high blood pressure linked to more falls.
This kind of high blood pressure is called masked hypertension: readings look normal at the doctor’s office but are consistently high at home.
Researchers compared repeated home and clinic readings from more than 750 older adults.
After about a year, nearly one in four participants had fallen at least once, and those with masked hypertension had a 70% higher rate of falls than people whose high blood pressure had been diagnosed.
The study did not explain why, but changes in blood pressure can cause dizziness or fainting, which may lead to falls.
Researchers say older adults and their caregivers can check blood pressure at home and share the readings with care teams to help guide care.
Older adults over 78 with hidden high blood pressure had a 70% higher rate of falls than those whose high blood pressure was correctly diagnosed.
Hidden high blood pressure means readings appear normal at a doctor’s office but are consistently high at home.
The findings were based on more than 750 adults aged 78 to 98 in a long-term heart disease risk study.
After about a year, 23% of participants had experienced at least one fall.
Researchers said home blood pressure readings may help identify hidden high blood pressure and fall risk.
- Who
- Adults aged 78 to 98, including people with hidden high blood pressure.
- What
- Hidden high blood pressure was associated with a 70% higher rate of falls.
- When
- Findings were presented on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- At the American Heart Association’s annual hypertension meeting. The meeting location is not stated.
- Why
- The study examined how different blood pressure patterns were associated with falls.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers presented the findings at the American Heart Association’s annual hypertension meeting.
Researchers reported that 23% of participants had experienced at least one fall.
- Participants
- More than 750 adults
- Age range
- 78 to 98 years
- Hidden high blood pressure
- 15% of participants
- White-coat high blood pressure
- 17% of participants
- At least one fall
- 23% after about one year
What people are saying
These findings highlight that, in addition to measuring blood pressure in the doctor’s office, home blood pressure readings can be an important way to identify hidden high blood pressure at home and the risk of falls in older adults
This confirms that “normal” blood pressure in the office is not always the end of the story.
This study does not explain why the risk of falls was higher, but it could be telling us something about blood pressure variability and how well older adults are able to regulate their blood pressure (or not) throughout the day
Sources
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