Related Experiment Videos
Arterial hypertension as a risk factor in the elderly and its treatment
G Leonetti1, C Cuspidi, M Fastidio
1Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale e Terapia Medica, University of Milan, Italy.
Insights
Antihypertensive therapy effectively reduces cardiovascular events in elderly patients with hypertension, similar to younger adults. Treatment choice depends on individual patient factors, not age alone.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiovascular and coronary heart disease mortality declined significantly between 1973 and 1982.
- Hypertension remains a critical risk factor in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trials on antihypertensive therapy in elderly hypertensives.
- To determine the efficacy of blood pressure reduction in decreasing morbidity and mortality in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized, controlled trials on antihypertensive treatment in elderly hypertensive individuals.
- Examination of studies testing the hypothesis of reduced morbidity and mortality with treatment.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological blood pressure reduction significantly decreases cardiovascular event incidence in the elderly.
- The effect of antihypertensive agents is not age-dependent, showing similar efficacy as in younger populations.
- Treatment selection is influenced by prior medication use and co-existing medical conditions.
Conclusions:
- Arterial hypertension is a modifiable risk factor in the elderly.
- Pharmacological intervention is an effective strategy for managing hypertension and reducing cardiovascular risks in older adults.
Purpose:
World Health Statistic Annuals between 1973 and 1982 show that mortality from cardiovascular and coronary heart disease fell significantly during this period. Against this background, the present review analyses results from trials of antihypertensive therapy in elderly hypertensives.
Study Selection:
The review examined available trials specifically devoted to testing the hypothesis that antihypertensive treatment in the elderly hypertensive can lead to a decrease in morbidity and mortality.
Results Of Data Analysis:
Different, randomly allocated, controlled trials have shown that a pharmacological reduction in blood pressure can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in the elderly to a similar extent as in young and adult hypertensive patients. Recent reviews have indicated, in contrast to previous suggestions, that the available antihypertensive agents do not have an age-dependent effect. Therefore the choice of antihypertensive therapy is more dependent on previous use or the presence of concomitant diseases.
Conclusions:
Arterial hypertension is a risk factor in the elderly which can be reduced with pharmacological intervention.