[Falls in patients with chronic systolic heart failure 65 and more years old.]

Today we can see a rapidly growing number of patients with systolic heart failure (HF) 65 and over years old. Geriatric conditions may play an important role in such patients. Falls are one of geriatric syndromes, which can influence in prognosis and quality of life in patients with chronic systolic heart failure. Aim of our research was to appreciate prevalence of falls in patients with systolic HF 65 and over years old, identify fall predictors in this group of patients. Patients with chronic HF 65 and over years old with depressed ejection fraction (EF less than 50%) were included in the main group (n=240). Control group (n=200) was composed by patient with cardiac diseases but with no evidences of congestive HF, without EF decline and with no significant valve dysfunctions. Patients were asked about falls and fall equivalents. Risk of falls was also validated by 1 leg balance test. Falls and fall equivalents were more frequent in the main group of patients (p=0,022). High predictive value of 1-leg balance test for such patients was validated. Time of 1-leg balance test was significantly lower in the main group of patients. Significant relations were observed between falls, fall equivalents and echocardiographic parameters. Depression of EF increase risk of fall in 1,56 times (p=0,022) but with no correlation between EF and falling risk. Falls are significantly related with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in patients with chronic systolic heart failure 65 years old and older.