According to a 2022 scientific statement from the American Heart Association, falls are a common yet underrecognized risk among people with heart disease. A fall can result in broken bones, concussions, and other serious—and sometimes fatal—injuries. Even if you only get minor bumps and bruises from a fall, the fear of another one can reduce your quality of life. That is why it is critical to be aware of the potential causes and ways to reduce your risk.

Dr. Lewis Lipsitz, chief of the Division of Gerontology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says that falls caused by heart problems can be put into two groups: those caused by a temporary loss of consciousness (called fainting or syncope) and those caused by long-term damage to blood vessels.

Concerns about low blood pressure

"Syncope frequently occurs as a result of a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain, leaving your brain cells without enough oxygen to keep you conscious," he explains. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is frequently to blame, particularly for a condition known as orthostatic hypotension, which refers to a drop in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up. It's more likely to happen if you haven't been drinking enough water or if you've been taking too much medicine to lower your blood pressure.