RECRUITINGINTERVENTIONAL

Short-Term Effects of Antihypertensive Drugs on Postural Balance and Fall Risk

The Effect of Antihypertensive Medication Use on Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial

About This Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the short-term effects of three commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug classes (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers) on postural balance and fall risk in adults with newly diagnosed primary hypertension. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do different antihypertensive drugs affect objective balance performance and fall risk? * What are the effects of these medications on dizziness and fear of falling? Researchers will use a balance analysis system (Biodex Balance System) and self-reported scales (Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Falls Efficacy Scale) to assess outcomes. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to one of three drug groups (metoprolol, ramipril, or amlodipine) * Be evaluated at baseline (prior to treatment), at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks after starting treatment * Complete balance tests and questionnaires at each time point This study aims to provide clinical insight into how commonly used blood pressure medications may impact balance and fall risk in real-world settings.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - 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 willing to sign a consent form to participate in the study Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - 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) Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language

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)

Treatments Being Tested

DRUG

Beta Blocker

Participants in this group will receive standard antihypertensive treatment with a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker. The exact agent and dosage will be determined by the cardiology clinic according to clinical guidelines. Balance and fall risk assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0), week 2 (T1), and week 4 (T2).

DRUG

ACE inhibitor

Participants in this group will receive standard antihypertensive treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The dose and specific agent will be prescribed based on routine clinical criteria. Assessments will take place at T0, T1, and T2.

DRUG

Calcium channel blocker

This group will receive a calcium channel blocker as part of their standard hypertension management. Dosage and agent will follow standard cardiology practice. Postural balance and fall risk will be measured at all study time points.

Locations (1)

Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Izzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital

Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye)