Association Between Arterial Stiffness, Frailty and Fall-Related Injuries in Older Adults.

Abstract

PurposeThis study was conducted to investigate the relationships between arterial stiffness, frailty and fall-related injuries among community-dwelling older adults.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study of a random sample of older adults aged 60 years and older was conducted. Main study parameters: arterial stiffness was measured by the determining the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI); Frailty status was defined using a 7-item frailty screening scale, developed in Russia. This questionnaire included question about falls and fall-related injuries. Orthostatic test and anthropometric tests were done. Medical history (comorbidity, medications), the Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool (OST), nutritional, physical, cognitive and functional status were evaluated.ResultsThe study population included 163 people aged 60–89 years. The average predicted value of CAVI in women aged 60–69 was 9.13 ± 0.13, in men, 9.49 ± 0.05; in women aged 70–79, it was 9.49 ± 0.16, in men, 9.73 ±0.11; in women aged 80 and older it was 10.04 ±0.18, in men, 10.24 ±0.10 units. The CAVI above the predicted value was associated with fall-related injuries even after adjustment for age, sex, use of β-blockers (BBs), history of stroke, and region of residence with the odds ratio 3.52 (95% CI: 1.03 −12.04).ConclusionOur study revealed an independent association between arterial stiffness and fall-related injuries in older adults over 60 years. The findings suggest that clinicians, especially geriatricians, should pay attention to arterial stiffness of patients with fall-related injuries. Similarly, the patients with CAVI above age-predicted value should be evaluated for risk of falls for prevention of fall-related injuries.