[Specific aspects of hypertension control in the geriatric patient]

Hypertensive patients older than 65 obtain greater benefit from antihypertensive therapy than do younger patients. The universally accepted values for the adjustment of blood pressure--140/90 mmHg--also apply in the case of the elderly. Hypertension control in this age group necessitates the taking into account of a number of peculiarities, including a tendency for these patients to develop postprandial hypotension, and to exhibit a diminishment in thirst, impairment of renal function and cognitive performance on the one hand, and an increase in salt sensitivity, comorbidity and a need for further medications. With regard to medicinal treatment, the basic rule is "start low, go slow", that is, a combination approach should be initiated at the lowest possible dose, which can then be gradually increased. Medical treatment is supplemented by age-group-related recommendations for general measures.