Coping with... ADDISON'S DISEASE

This serious adrenal gland disorder affects production of cortisol and aldosterone

- ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN'S WEEKLY DOCTOR

Antihypertensive medication news

Although there's no doubt that antihypertensive drugs reduce cardiovascular events, a retrospective analysis of UK general practice data highlighted an increased risk of hospitalisation or death from falls among people taking antihypertensive medication, particularly in frail, older adults.

Among people with dementia taking antihypertensive drugs, the annual fall rate was 47 per 10,000, compared with 14 per 10,000 in those without cognitive impairment.

It's something worth discussing with your GP as you get older.

The adrenal glands (above the kidneys) produce two essential hormones: cortisol and aldosterone. For most patients, Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism) is caused by an autoimmune reaction, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands, reducing vital hormone production.