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van Poelgeest EP, Handoko ML, Muller M, van der Velde N. Diuretics, SGLT2 inhibitors and falls in older heart failure patients: to prescribe or to deprescribe? A clinical review. Eur Geriatr Med 2023; 14:659-674. [PMID: 36732414 PMCID: PMC10447274 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00752-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Both heart failure and its treatment with diuretics or SGLT2 inhibitors increase fall risk in older adults. Therefore, decisions to continue or deprescribe diuretics or SGLT2 inhibitors in older heart failure patients who have fallen are generally highly complex and challenging for clinicians. However, a comprehensive overview of information required for rationale and safe decision-making is lacking. The aim of this clinical review was to assist clinicians in safe (de)prescribing of these drug classes in older heart failure patients. METHODS We comprehensively searched and summarized published literature and international guidelines on the efficacy, fall-related safety issues, and deprescribing of the commonly prescribed diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors in older adults. RESULTS Both diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors potentially cause various fall-related adverse effects. Their fall-related side effect profiles partly overlap (e.g., tendency to cause hypotension), but there are also important differences; based on the currently available evidence of this relatively new drug class, SGLT2 inhibitors seem to have a favorable fall-related adverse effect profile compared to diuretics (e.g., low/absent tendency to cause hyperglycemia or electrolyte abnormalities, low risk of worsening chronic kidney disease). In addition, SGLT2 inhibitors have potential beneficial effects (e.g., disease-modifying effects in heart failure, renoprotective effects), whereas diuretic effects are merely symptomatic. CONCLUSION (De)prescribing diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors in older heart failure patients who have fallen is often highly challenging, but this clinical review paper assists clinicians in individualized and patient-centered rational clinical decision-making: we provide a summary of available literature on efficacy and (subclass-specific) safety profiles of diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors, and practical guidance on safe (de)prescribing of these drugs (e.g. a clinical decision tree for deprescribing diuretics in older adults who have fallen).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline P van Poelgeest
- Department of Internal Medicine/Geriatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - M Louis Handoko
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Majon Muller
- Department of Internal Medicine/Geriatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie van der Velde
- Department of Internal Medicine/Geriatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ungar A, Ceccofiglio A, Mussi C, Bo M, Rivasi G, Rafanelli M, Martone AM, Bellelli G, Nicosia F, Riccio D, Boccardi V, Tonon E, Curcio F, Landi F, Abete P, Mossello E. Truly unexplained falls after evaluation for syncope: A new diagnostic entity with severe prognosis. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 98:93-97. [PMID: 35172944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare one-year mortality risk associated with syncope and unexplained fall in older adults with dementia. METHODS 522 patients (aged >65 years) with dementia and history of transient loss of consciousness and/or unexplained falls were evaluated. The diagnosis of syncope was based on European Society of Cardiology guidelines. A "Syncopal Fall" was defined in patients with an initial clinical presentation of unexplained fall, but a final diagnosis of syncope after complete assessment. A "Truly Unexplained Fall" was defined in patients with an initial clinical presentation of unexplained fall, in whom a diagnosis of syncope had been excluded after the diagnostic work-up. One-year follow-up was assessed by phone interview. RESULTS Follow-up data were available for 501 participants (mean age 83 ± 6 years, 65% female). After a mean follow-up of 324 ± 93 days, death from any cause was reported in 188 participants (24%). Advanced age, male sex, cognitive and functional impairment were associated with a higher mortality rate. Patients with "Truly Unexplained Falls" had a higher mortality risk compared with syncope and "Syncopal Fall". A diagnosis of "Truly Unexplained Falls" remained an independent predictor of one-year all-cause mortality in multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS We propose the novel diagnostic category of "Truly Unexplained Fall", resulting from the application of syncope guidelines to subjects with unexplained falls. This condition in older adults with dementia is a predictor of one-year all-cause mortality. For this new high risk profile, we advice a comprehensive geriatric assessment focused on risk factors for fall, aimed at a possible improvement of prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ungar
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Syncope Unit, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla, Florence 50139, Italy.
| | - Alice Ceccofiglio
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Syncope Unit, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Chiara Mussi
- Centro di Valutazione e Ricerca Gerontologica, Chair of Geriatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Bo
- SCDU Geriatria e Malattie Metaboliche dell'Osso, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Syncope Unit, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Syncope Unit, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Martone
- Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences and Orthopedics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bellelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca and Acute Geriatric Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Franco Nicosia
- Medicine and Geriatric Unit - Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Riccio
- Geriatric Department, SS. Trinità Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Virginia Boccardi
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Landi
- Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences and Orthopedics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Abete
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Mossello
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Syncope Unit, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla, Florence 50139, Italy
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Torabi P, Rivasi G, Hamrefors V, Ungar A, Sutton R, Brignole M, Fedorowski A. OUP accepted manuscript. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:2116-2123. [PMID: 35139180 PMCID: PMC9170473 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Methods and results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence and Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Michele Brignole
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Ospedale San Luca, Milano, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Rafanelli M, Testa GD, Rivasi G, Ungar A. Evaluation of Patients with Syncope in the Emergency Department: How to Adjust Pharmacological Therapy. Medicina (B Aires) 2021; 57:medicina57060603. [PMID: 34208045 PMCID: PMC8231040 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of syncope in the Emergency Department ranges between 0.9 and 1.7%. Syncope is mostly related to a underlying reflex or orthostatic mechanism. A bradycardic or a hypotensive phenotype, may be identified. The latter is the most common and could be constitutional or drug induced. Consequently, obtaining an accurate drug history is an important step of the initial assessment of syncope. As anti-hypertensive medication might be responsible for orthostatic hypotension, managing hypertension in patients with syncope requires finding an ideal balance between hypotensive and cardiovascular risks. The choice of anti-hypertensive molecule as well as the therapeutic regimen and dosage, influences the risk of syncope. Not only could anti-hypertensive drugs have a hypotensive effect but opioids and psychoactive medications may also be involved in the mechanism of syncope. Proper drug management could reduce syncope recurrences and their consequences.
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Donoghue OA, O’Connell MDL, Bourke R, Kenny RA. Is orthostatic hypotension and co-existing supine and seated hypertension associated with future falls in community-dwelling older adults? Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252212. [PMID: 34043698 PMCID: PMC8158994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) often co-exists with hypertension. As increasing age affects baroreflex sensitivity, it loses its ability to reduce blood pressure when lying down. Therefore, supine hypertension may be an important indicator of baroreflex function. This study examines (i) the association between OH and future falls in community-dwelling older adults and (ii) if these associations persist in those with co-existing OH and baseline hypertension, measured supine and seated. Data from 1500 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) were used. Continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure was measured using digital photoplethysmography during an active stand procedure with OH defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥20 mmHg and/or ≥10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 3 minutes of standing. OH at 40 seconds (OH40) was used as a marker of impaired early stabilisation and OH sustained over the second minute (sustained OH) was used to indicate a more persistent deficit, similar to traditional OH definitions. Seated and supine hypertension were defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg or DBP ≥90 mm Hg. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate relative risk of falls (recurrent, injurious, unexplained) and syncope occurring over four year follow-up. OH40 was independently associated with recurrent (RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.02,1.65), injurious (RR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.13,1.79) and unexplained falls (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.13,2.13). Sustained OH was associated with injurious (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.18,2.05) and unexplained falls (RR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.06,2.50). OH and co-existing hypertension was associated with all falls outcomes but effect sizes were consistently larger with seated versus supine hypertension. OH, particularly when co-existing with hypertension, was independently associated with increased risk of future falls. Stronger effect sizes were observed with seated versus supine hypertension. This supports previous findings and highlights the importance of assessing orthostatic blood pressure behaviour in older adults at risk of falls and with hypertension. Observed associations may reflect underlying comorbidities, reduced cerebral perfusion or presence of white matter hyperintensities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orna A. Donoghue
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Matthew D. L. O’Connell
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Bourke
- Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing (MISA), St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing (MISA), St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Abstract
Hypertension and hypotension are strictly related phenomena, that frequently coexist within the spectrum of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, especially at advanced age. Indeed, antihypertensive treatment may predispose to orthostatic and post-prandial hypotension, while intensive blood pressure lowering may be responsible for systemic hypotension. Over recent years, systemic and orthostatic hypotension have emerged as important although often neglected risk factors for adverse outcomes, paralleling the widely recognized arterial hypertension. Both hypertension and hypotension are associated with detrimental effects on target organs and survival, thus significantly impacting patients' prognosis, functional autonomy and quality of life. Balancing low and high blood pressure requires accurate diagnostic assessment of blood pressure values and patients' hypotensive susceptibility, which allow for the development of customized treatment strategies based on individual hypo/hypertensive risk profile. The present review illustrates the complex interrelationship between hypotension and hypertension and discusses the relevant prognostic role of these conditions. Additionally, it provides an overview on hypotension detection and treatment in patients with hypertension, focusing on customized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence, Florence, Italy -
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Rivasi G, Rafanelli M, Mossello E, Brignole M, Ungar A. Drug-Related Orthostatic Hypotension: Beyond Anti-Hypertensive Medications. Drugs Aging 2020; 37:725-738. [PMID: 32894454 PMCID: PMC7524811 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-020-00796-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an abnormal blood pressure response to standing, which is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes such as syncope, falls, cognitive impairment, and mortality. Medical therapy is one the most common causes of OH, since numerous cardiovascular and psychoactive medications may interfere with the blood pressure response to standing, leading to drug-related OH. Additionally, hypotensive medications frequently overlap with other OH risk factors (e.g., advanced age, neurogenic autonomic dysfunction, and comorbidities), thus increasing the risk of symptoms and complications. Consequently, a medication review is recommended as a first-line approach in the diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of OH, with a view to minimizing the risk of drug-related orthostatic blood pressure impairment. If symptoms persist after the review of hypotensive medications, despite adherence to non-pharmacological interventions, specific drug treatment for OH can be considered. In this narrative review we present an overview of drugs acting on the cardiovascular and central nervous system that may potentially impair the orthostatic blood pressure response and we provide practical suggestions that may be helpful to guide medical therapy optimization in patients with OH. In addition, we summarize the available strategies for drug treatment of OH in patients with persistent symptoms despite non-pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rivasi
- Syncope Unit and Referral Centre for Hypertension Management in Older Adults, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Syncope Unit and Referral Centre for Hypertension Management in Older Adults, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Mossello
- Syncope Unit and Referral Centre for Hypertension Management in Older Adults, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, S. Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Syncope Unit and Referral Centre for Hypertension Management in Older Adults, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139, Florence, Italy
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Blood pressure management in hypertensive patients with syncope: how to balance hypotensive and cardiovascular risk. J Hypertens 2020; 38:2356-2362. [DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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