Abstract Background Older people taking benzodiazepines (BDZs) have higher risk of falling, which is mainly attributed to cognitive and psychomotor effects. BDZs may also have hypotensive effects. We investigated the association between BDZs and orthostatic blood pressure behaviour in older people. Methods We retrospectively analysed data from an outpatient clinic where people aged 60 or older underwent a geriatric assessment. Non-invasive beat-to-beat orthostatic systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed at regular time intervals before and after an active stand test. We compared clinical characteristics between BDZs users and non-users and also investigated if BDZs use was an independent predictor of baseline SBP. Factors associated with SBP change were investigated using a repeated measures general linear model. Results Of 538 participants (67.7% female, mean age 72.7), 33 (6.1%) reported regular BDZs use. BDZ users had lower baseline SBP (149 versus 161 mmHg, P  Conclusion Older people taking BDZs may have a higher risk of orthostatic hypotension, perhaps due to an exaggerated immediate BP drop. This adds to other BDZ-related falls risks. BDZs should be avoided in older people at risk of falling.

中文翻译：

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苯二氮卓类药物对老年人体位血压的影响

摘要背景服用苯二氮卓类药物（BDZs）的老年人跌倒风险较高，这主要归因于认知和精神运动效应。BDZ 也可能具有降血压作用。我们调查了 BDZ 与老年人体位性血压行为之间的关联。方法 我们回顾性分析了一家门诊诊所的数据，其中 60 岁或以上的人接受了老年评估。在主动站立测试之前和之后定期评估非侵入性逐搏体位收缩压 (SBP)。我们比较了 BDZs 使用者和非使用者之间的临床特征，并调查了 BDZs 的使用是否是基线 SBP 的独立预测因子。使用重复测量一般线性模型研究与 SBP 变化相关的因素。结果 538 名参与者（67. 7% 的女性，平均年龄 72.7），33 人（6.1%）报告经常使用 BDZ。BDZ 使用者的基线 SBP 较低（149 对 161 mmHg，P 结论 服用 BDZ 的老年人可能有较高的直立性低血压风险，这可能是由于立即血压下降过大。这增加了其他与 BDZ 相关的跌倒风险。应避免使用 BDZ在有跌倒风险的老年人中。