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[Concept and clinical character of hypertension in the elderly]

Mitsuru Ohishi1, Toshio Ogihara

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.

Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 14, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Essential hypertension in elderly patients increases cardiovascular risks. While blood pressure control is vital, the optimal target remains unclear. Current guidelines, like the JSH 2004, should be followed for managing hypertension in older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hypertension Research

Context:

  • Aging leads to physiological changes affecting blood pressure.
  • Pathological changes in elderly essential hypertension elevate cardiovascular events and mortality.
  • Hypertension in the elderly presents with increased pulse pressure, abnormal daily blood pressure profiles, and orthostatic hypotension.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the significance of blood pressure control in elderly hypertensive patients.
  • To address the ongoing uncertainty regarding optimal blood pressure targets in this demographic.
  • To introduce the Japanese Society of Hypertension (JSH) 2004 clinical guideline.

Summary:

  • Essential hypertension in the elderly is associated with increased cardiovascular risks due to both physiological aging and pathological changes.
  • Key clinical features include elevated pulse pressure, altered diurnal blood pressure patterns, and orthostatic hypotension.
  • The optimal blood pressure threshold for intervention in elderly hypertensives requires further clarification.

Impact:

  • Emphasizes the need for tailored hypertension management strategies in older adults.
  • Underscores the importance of adhering to updated clinical guidelines for better patient outcomes.
  • Contributes to the ongoing discussion on managing cardiovascular risk factors in geriatric populations.

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