Short-term effects of blood pressure medicines on balance and fall risk
The Effect of Antihypertensive Medication Use on Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · Abant Izzet Baysal University · NCT07099677
This trial tests whether three common blood pressure medicines (a beta blocker, an ACE inhibitor, and a calcium channel blocker) change balance, dizziness, and short-term fall risk in adults newly diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 186 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Abant Izzet Baysal University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bolu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07099677 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial assigns adults aged 18–75 with newly diagnosed primary hypertension to metoprolol, ramipril, or amlodipine and follows them for four weeks. Objective balance is measured with the Biodex Balance System (including Fall Risk Test, Postural Stability Test, and CTSIB) and subjective symptoms are recorded with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Falls Efficacy Scale. Assessments occur at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after starting medication to capture short-term effects on postural stability and fear of falling. Participants with prior antihypertensive use or conditions affecting balance are excluded to isolate medication-related effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–75 with newly diagnosed primary hypertension who have not used antihypertensive drugs, can walk without assistive devices, and have no neurological, vestibular, orthopedic, or psychiatric conditions affecting balance.
Not a fit: People with secondary hypertension, known vestibular disorders, current use of medications that affect balance (e.g., sedatives or psychotropics), cognitive impairment, or inability to attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose initial blood pressure medicines that reduce dizziness and short-term fall risk.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research has shown certain antihypertensive classes can cause dizziness or orthostatic hypotension, but randomized direct comparisons of short-term balance and fall risk are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 75 years * Newly diagnosed with primary hypertension * No prior use of antihypertensive medication * No history of neurological, vestibular, orthopedic, or psychiatric conditions affecting balance * Able to walk independently without assistive devices * Provided written informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary hypertension * Known diagnosis of vestibular disorders (e.g., BPPV, Ménière's disease) * Use of medications that may affect balance (e.g., sedatives, psychotropic drugs) * History of falls due to trauma unrelated to balance * Cognitive impairment preventing proper test participation * Inability to complete the assessments at follow-up timepoints (2nd and 4th week)
Where this trial is running
Bolu
- Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Izzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital — Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alp Ozel, PT, PhD — Abant Izzet Baysal University
- Study coordinator: Alp Ozel, PT, PhD
- Email: alpozel@ibu.edu.tr
- Phone: +903742534520
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Hypertension, Fall Risk, Postural Balance, Fear of Falling, Antihypertensive drugs, Fall risk, Medication-related falls, Postural balance