Hypertension in elderly patients: treatment reduces mortality, but is underused

Recently published clinical trials provide compelling evidence of the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy to reduce cardiovascular mortality. The Sixth Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hypertension emphasizes that hypertension is undertreated in this country: only approximately one fourth of hypertensive persons have their blood pressure controlled to the current recommended level of less than 140/90 mm Hg. The point is especially pertinent to elderly patients, most of whom have hypertension. Moreover, most elderly hypertensive persons have systolic hypertension, which has an even stronger association with risk than does diastolic pressure. Current recommendations are reviewed.