Normal at the doctor's, high at home: older adults fall more often, study finds

People whose blood pressure is normal at the doctor's office but elevated at home may be more prone to falls in old age. That is the suggestion of a study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston presented at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026 (release dated 9 October 2026). According to the AHA, the researchers analysed 758 people aged 78 to 98 from the long-running US ARIC study. In 2023 they measured their blood pressure at home, morning and evening, on eight days, in addition to office readings.

According to the AHA, 15.4 percent of participants had so-called masked hypertension – normal in the office, elevated at home. 23.4 percent reported at least one fall within twelve months. Masked hypertension was associated with a 70 percent higher fall risk than in people whose readings were high in both settings. Lead author Frances Wang called preventing falls in older adults a top priority and said home measurements can add helpful information.

The findings are preliminary: they come from a conference abstract that has not yet been peer-reviewed, falls were self-reported, and 82 percent of participants were already taking blood pressure medication. The study does not explain why the risk was higher. Cardiologist Karol E. Watson, who was not involved, said according to the AHA that the findings confirm that a “normal” office reading isn't always the end of the story. Anyone unsure should discuss home readings with their GP.