Abstract. The aim is to assess the frequency of falls and intrinsic fall risk factors in patients requiring pacemakers.
Methodology. The research was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021. Participated patients were hospitalized at the LUHS hospital Kauno Klinikos Department of Cardiology and required heart pacemaker implantation. Total 82 patients participated in the study. The questionnaire was composed by the authors of the research. The study was obtained by the Bioethics Permit of the Medical Academy of LUHS (No. BEC-SL (B) -42).
Results. Almost half of the patients fell (45.1%) at least once a year. Elderly patients (65 years and older) are more likely to experience falls than patients under 65 years of age p=0,006. Elderly patients are more often exposed to various internal risk factors of falls: urination at night (82,9 %), weakness (82,9 %), dizziness (76,8 %). Perceived decreased leg muscle strength was found in both women and men (69.6% and 52.8%, respectively, p = 0.002). Patients older than 65 years and therefore <65 years experienced leg pain (54,9% and 7,2%, respectively, p = 0.002), urination at night (68,4% and 14,6%, respectively, p = 0.009), and experienced fatigue (63,0% and 13,6%, p = 0.028).
Conclusions. Almost half of the patients who were in need of heart pacemaker implantation experienced falls. ≥ 65 years old patients experienced falls more than once a year. It has been found that these patients often experience weakness, fatigue, and dizziness. A common intrinsic fall risk factor is urination at night. ≥ 65 years old patients have more internal falls risk factors than patients under 65 years old.
Monitoring and analysis of fall risk factors in hospitalized patients
