Look further into falls risk with thiazide
Your report of the research showing an increased risk of falling in the elderly when using thiazide diuretics for hypertension compared to ß-blockers and especially calcium channel blockers is interesting.
Thiazide antihypertensives "treble risk of falls in elderly''
One wonders whether diuretic-associated mild hypokalemia could lead to mild muscle weakness.
It would probably be more important to know of any association between these antihypertensives and risk of fractures.
Thiazide diuretics cause a positive calcium balance and in theory should protect against fractures.
From Dr Patrick Belton
Walthamstow, east London
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