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Masked high blood pressure in adults older than 78 is associated with a 70% higher risk of falls compared with high blood pressure readings in both the office and at home among peers, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026, held in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7–11.
Falls are the leading cause of disability and functional decline in adults 65 and older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even though low blood pressure is usually thought of as a risk factor for falls, there is emerging evidence that high home blood pressure is associated with a higher incidence of falls in older adults.
The study's findings align with the American Heart Association's 2025 Joint Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. The guideline recommends annual blood pressure monitoring for all adults. Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients to help confirm an office diagnosis of high blood pressure and to monitor blood pressure, track progress and tailor care as part of an integrated care plan.
"Preventing falls in older adults should be a top priority. , a researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
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