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[Clinical characteristics, cellular and molecular basis of hypertension in elderly]

Pablo Stiefel1, José Salvador García-Morillo, José Villar

  • 1Unidad Clínico-Experimental de Riesgo Vascular (UCAMI-UCERV), Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España. stiefel@cica.es

Medicina Clinica
|October 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Arterial hypertension (AH) is more common in older adults and presents unique clinical features. This review explores the cellular mechanisms, clinical aspects, and management strategies for hypertension in the elderly.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Arterial hypertension (AH) prevalence significantly rises with age.
  • AH in the elderly exhibits distinct clinical characteristics compared to younger populations.
  • Aging influences cellular and molecular pathways relevant to hypertension.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking AH and aging.
  • To discuss the clinical peculiarities of AH in the elderly, including arterial stiffness and isolated systolic hypertension.
  • To propose blood pressure control objectives and preventive strategies for AH in older adults.

Summary:

  • This article examines the relationship between aging and arterial hypertension (AH).
  • It delves into cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to AH in older individuals.
  • Clinical aspects like arterial stiffness and isolated systolic hypertension are discussed, alongside management strategies.

Impact:

  • Provides insights into the pathophysiology of hypertension in aging.
  • Highlights unique clinical presentations and management considerations for elderly patients with AH.
  • Offers strategies for delaying or preventing the development of hypertension in the elderly.

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