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Cost of treating hypertension in the elderly

René L Roberts1, Ralph E Small

  • 1Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Pharmacy, 410 North 12th Street, PO Box 980533, Richmond, VA 23298-0533, USA.

Current Hypertension Reports
|November 7, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Treating hypertension in the elderly is crucial, as older adults incur higher healthcare costs for this condition. Thiazide-like diuretics are recommended for their effectiveness and affordability.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Hypertension is a prevalent condition in the aging population, posing significant risks for cardiovascular events and mortality.
  • The elderly demographic is expanding, increasing the overall burden of hypertension.
  • Effective management of hypertension is essential to mitigate severe health consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent publications on the cost of treating hypertension specifically in the elderly population.
  • To identify current trends and expenditures associated with hypertension management in older adults.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of recent literature focusing on hypertension treatment costs in the elderly.
  • Analysis of available data on expenditures and age distribution related to hypertension care.

Main Results:

  • A limited number of studies were identified concerning hypertension treatment in the elderly.
  • Data from 1998 indicated higher per capita expenditures for hypertension among individuals aged 65 and older.
  • Antihypertensive pharmacologic treatment is proven to reduce cardiovascular events.
  • Thiazide-like diuretics are recommended for the elderly due to efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

  • The elderly population experiences higher healthcare expenditures related to hypertension.
  • Cost-effective treatments like thiazide-like diuretics are recommended for managing hypertension in older adults.
  • Further research is needed due to the limited number of publications on this topic.

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