People who suffer from cardiovascular disease may be at a higher risk of suffering from slip and fall accidents that expose them to serious personal injury.
According to a new study whose results were published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality Outcomes, more research is needed to understand the causes of increased fall risks in people suffering from cardiovascular disease. An earlier study from 2018 found that as many as 60% of people who suffer from cardiovascular disease had a moderate to high risk of suffering a slip and fall accident.
There are several risk factors that might expose a person who suffers from cardiovascular conditions to have an elevated fall risk. Hypertension or a spike in blood pressure may cause dizziness or a sudden loss of consciousness which could directly lead to a fall hazard. A person recovering from a stroke may continue to suffer from dizziness, while one who suffers from diabetes may suffer from neuropathy in the foot that could affect balance and, therefore, slip and fall accident risks.
This is not to say that nothing can be done to reduce fall risks in persons suffering from cardiac conditions. The researchers say that it is important for medical professionals to work together with patients and their families as well as physical therapists to improve balance and coordination to reduce these risks. A fall accident can result in hip fractures which are additional complications for a person suffering from a cardiac health condition.
These fall risks are even more dangerous in older adults who already have a significantly elevated risk of suffering a fall accident. When you add a cardiovascular condition like high blood pressure or hypertension or heart attack to the situation, the potential implications can be disastrous. Older persons are very likely to suffer a life-altering hip fracture, and these are injuries that do not heal very well in the case of seniors.
If you suffer from a cardiovascular condition, make sure that your physician knows about any dizziness or lightheadedness that you feel or any difficulty that you experience with your balance or gait. Make sure that you get your blood pressure checked regularly. A dip in blood pressure can lead to lightheadedness and fainting. Inquire into the use of assistive walking devices like canes or walkers. Patients must understand their fall risks, and healthcare professionals must make sure the patient’s fall risks are managed appropriately.
The Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons injured in accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in an accident, talk to a lawyer at our firm and determine if you have legal options to a claim for damages. You may be eligible for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other types of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case.