Medications Used to Treat Atrial Fibrillation May Raise Risk of Falls

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society explored the potential risk for falls and fainting among older adults taking medication for atrial fibrillation, reports ScienceDaily . The team used Spanish health data to identify persons 65 to 100 when they were first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The records of 100,935 individuals 65 or older with atrial fibrillation who filled prescriptions for heart rhythm medications were analyzed. Prescriptions were for beta-blockers, certain calcium channel blockers, and digoxin, while other drugs included amiodarone, flecainide, and propafenone. Analysis estimated 40,447 deaths without a fall-related injury or fainting episode among this population, comprising 40.1 percent of study participants. Amiodarone was significantly linked to higher fall risk, whether it was prescribed alone or with other heart rhythm medications, while digoxin was slightly associated with fall-related injuries. People also were at higher risk for an injury within the first 90 days of treatment, and especially within the first 14 days.