Is Loss of Balance & Falling Caused by High Blood Pressure?

Balance is a state of equilibrium or neurological stability. High blood pressure (hypertension) can interfere with brain functioning and can cause a loss of balance and falling.

Facts

Hypertension is the result of fat deposits in the blood vessels (arteries) to the brain. Fat narrows and damages the inner layer of the arteries, causing blood pressure to rise. This can cause a person to feel dizzy, lose his balance and fall.

Significance

Neurological stability depends on oxygen flowing to the brain. If blood flow is decreased due to narrowed arteries, oxygen to the brain is reduced. In a short time, the brain can suffer from oxygen deficiency, and loss of balance and falling likely will occur.

Treatment

Medications can relax the artery walls and decrease fat deposits, resulting in lowered blood pressure. This will increase blood flow and decrease the chance of falling.

Prevention/Solution

Improved diet and routine exercise will decrease the fat available to coat the arterial walls. Avoiding obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption will support artery health and prevent loss of balance.

Contributing Factors

Fat deposits build up over time. A study of older adults reported an increased incidence of hypertension in the elderly and was associated with worsened balance and falling.

References

• American Family Physician Magazine; Systolic Hypertension Affects Balance, Gait, and Fall Risk; Richard Sadovsky, M.D.; Nov. 2003