Dysrhythmia and occult syncope as an explanation for falls in older patients

摘要

As life expectancy increases and the geriatric population expands dramatically, falls have become a more substantial health risk. According to the US Center for Disease Control, falls are already the leading cause of injury-related death among Americans aged 65 years and older. The consequences of a fall include death and immediate incapacitating injuries such as hip fractures, and also a decline in functional status, nursing home placement and a higher usage of medical resources.