US Pharm. 2014;39(9):55.

Minneapolis, MN—Contrary to common belief, there is no evidence that patients receiving intensive blood pressure treatment are prone to falls and fractures resulting from hypotension, according to a recent comprehensive study. Researchers at HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research examined falls and fractures in 3,099 type 2 diabetes patients aged 40 to 79 years who received intensive or standard blood pressure treatment. Intensive-treatment patients did not experience more falls or fractures than patients on standard treatment; in fact, there was a possible trend toward fewer fractures with tight antihypertensive therapy. Results did not differ in older versus younger patients. Current thinking about intensive blood pressure therapy needs to be carefully reconsidered, say the researchers.

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