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Hypertension in the elderly and the very old
Edoardo Casiglia1, Valérie Tikhonoff, Achille C Pessina
1Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani No. 2, Padova I-35128, Italy. edoardo.casiglia@unipd.it
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|June 10, 2009
Summary
Systolic hypertension is a significant global health issue, particularly for the elderly. Despite being a risk factor for cardiovascular events, many older adults with hypertension do not receive adequate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- High systolic blood pressure, or systolic hypertension, is a major global health challenge.
- Systolic hypertension and high pulse pressure are established risk factors for cardiovascular events, even in the elderly.
- Current therapeutic approaches for elderly hypertensive patients are often inadequate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of systolic hypertension in the elderly.
- To emphasize the cardiovascular risks associated with high systolic and pulse pressure in older populations.
- To underscore the need for more aggressive and effective treatment strategies for elderly hypertensive patients.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review and analysis of epidemiological data concerning systolic hypertension in the elderly.
- It synthesizes existing literature on the cardiovascular consequences of systolic hypertension in older adults.
- The analysis focuses on the current state of therapeutic interventions for this demographic.
Main Results:
- Systolic hypertension and elevated pulse pressure are significant risk factors for cardiovascular events in the elderly.
- Despite these risks, a limited proportion of elderly hypertensive patients receive adequate treatment.
- Indolence and lack of aggressiveness in treatment contribute to this therapeutic gap.
Conclusions:
- Systolic hypertension requires dedicated attention and effective management in the elderly population.
- There is a critical need to improve the aggressiveness and adequacy of antihypertensive therapy in older individuals.
- Addressing the treatment gap in elderly hypertensive patients is crucial for reducing cardiovascular event rates.
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