Related Experiment Videos

Hypertension. Contemporary challenges in geriatric care

George C Francos1, Henry L Schairer

  • 1Jefferson Medical College, Philadlephia, PA, USA.

Geriatrics
|January 28, 2003
PubMed

Insights

High blood pressure (hypertension) often goes untreated, with most patients not reaching target pressures. Effective management frequently requires multiple antihypertensive agents, especially in older adults and special populations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for severe cardiovascular and renal complications.
  • Despite available treatments, many hypertensive patients remain unaware, undertreated, or uncontrolled.
  • Current treatment guidelines aim for specific blood pressure targets, often unmet in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the comprehensive management of hypertensive patients.
  • To emphasize target blood pressure goals in specific patient groups.
  • To address challenges in treating hypertension, particularly in the elderly.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of hypertension management strategies.
  • Analysis of treatment adherence and control rates.
  • Discussion of pharmacologic approaches and challenges.

Main Results:

  • Only 68.4% of individuals with hypertension are aware of their condition.
  • A majority of patients (nearly 75%) do not achieve the recommended blood pressure goal of 140/90 mm Hg.
  • Most patients require multiple antihypertensive agents for adequate blood pressure control.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal hypertension management requires a strategic approach, often involving multiple medications.
  • Special attention to target blood pressures is crucial for special populations and older patients.
  • Improving patient awareness and treatment adherence is vital for reducing hypertension-related morbidity.

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients01:15

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients

Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...