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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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