The association of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and fear of falling among older adults: Data from the national health and aging trends study.

• We explored the combined effect of cardiometabolic multimorbidity on incident FOF. • The presence of multiple CMDs was associated with higher risk of FOF. • The CMD combination of heart disease and diabetes indicates the highest risk of FOF. • Older adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity needs monitoring fall-related fear. Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) have been individually associated with fall-related outcomes, but their combined effect on fear of falling (FOF) has not been investigated. This study aims to examine the association between cardiometabolic multimorbidity and FOF in older adults. Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, 4,295 community-dwelling older adults ≥ 65 years were analyzed in this longitudinal study. CMDs were assessed at baseline, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and hypertension. FOF was evaluated by asking participants if they worried about falling in the past month. Data were analyzed using multi-adjusted logistic regression. Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was associated with a higher risk of FOF. The combination of heart disease and diabetes showed the highest risk of FOF (OR = 3.47, 95 % CI: 1.63–7.40). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the combined impact of cardiometabolic multimorbidity on FOF in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]