336 ASYMPTOMATIC ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION AND RISK OF FALLS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER PEOPLE

Abstract Background Many older people with Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) may not report typical symptoms of dizziness, light-headedness, or unsteadiness. However, the relationships between OH and falls in absence are yet established. Methods Continuous orthostatic BP was measured during active stand using a Finometer at Wave 1 TILDA participants aged≥70 years. OH, without defined as sustained drop systolic BP≥20 and/or diastolic BP≥10 mm Hg 30, 60 90 seconds post-standing. The association dizziness assessed multi-level mixed-effects linear regression; logistic regression models longitudinal relationship 6-year follow-up (Waves 2-5). Results Almost 11% (n=934; mean age: 75 years; 51% female) had two-thirds whom were asymptomatic. Dizziness associated 30 (β=1.54; –1.27, 4.36; p=0.256), (β=2.6; –0.19, 5.47; p =0.476) (β=2.02; –0.91, 4.95; p=0.176) after standing adjusted models. Asymptomatic independently unexplained (Odds Ratio: 2.01; 1.11, 3.65; p=0.022) but explained (OR 0.93; 0.53, 1.62; p=0.797) follow-up. Conclusion Two-thirds did light-headedness. unsteadiness correlate degree recovery. Participants asymptomatic significantly higher risk follow-up, this has important clinical implications for assessment falls.