Hypertension therapy in the oldest patients

The group of people age 80 and older is the fastest growing age group in developed countries. Because systolic blood pressure rises with age, hypertension is a common finding in this age group. There is overwhelming evidence of benefit from treating individuals with hypertension who are below this a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current cardiovascular risk reports 2009-07, Vol.3 (4), p.239-246
Main Authors: Beckett, Nigel S., Noimark, Dean J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age groups
Blood pressure
Cardiology
Hypertension
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
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Summary:The group of people age 80 and older is the fastest growing age group in developed countries. Because systolic blood pressure rises with age, hypertension is a common finding in this age group. There is overwhelming evidence of benefit from treating individuals with hypertension who are below this age. The risk and benefits of therapy in the oldest patients have been less clear. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that the risk from hypertension is less and that it may even be associated with lower mortality. However, the recent landmark Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial has shown clear benefit from treating older individuals. Uncertainty remains with regard to the level at which intervention should be initiated and to what level blood pressure should be lowered. This article reviews the risk of hypertension in the oldest patients, reviews evidence of benefit from therapy, and considers the therapy that should be used for such individuals.
ISSN:1932-9520
1932-9563
DOI:10.1007/s12170-009-0038-3