Intensive blood pressure treatment makes it less likely that older adults will experience drastic blood pressure drops, become dizzy and fall, according to preliminary research presented Saturday at an American Heart Association conference.

Optimal blood pressure helps reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes, but aggressive blood pressure treatment in older adults has long been thought to be dangerous. The idea is that it contributes to falls by increasing the risk of sudden drops in blood pressure, called orthostatic hypertension.

The new data contradicts this common belief, reported lead study author Stephen Juraschek, M.D., Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School. He and his colleagues followed more than 2,800 recent stroke patients, with an average age of 65, who received carefully monitored blood pressure therapy. Participants who received more intensive therapy and achieved lower systolic blood pressure (130 mm/Hg or under) had better overall blood pressure control and had fewer episodes of orthostatic hypertension. 

“Falls can be devastating in this older population,” said Juraschek in a statement. “As a result, there is substantial concern about anything that might increase their fall risk. However, our study provides strong evidence that intense blood pressure treatment does not induce orthostatic hypotension or its symptoms.”