[Non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension in the elderly]

We reviewed non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension in the elderly. Although hypotensive effect of salt restriction was evident, severe salt restriction might result in impairment of QOL by decrease in appetite and consequent nutritional deterioration. Hypotensive effect of mild to moderate aerobic exercise was also evident. Our previous report indicated that decrease in blood pressure was less in older subjects than in younger group. Another study showed that blood pressure decreased even during 3 to 9 months after the beginning of exercise therapy. These findings might indicate that decrease in blood pressure in the elderly was slower than in younger subjects.