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[Hypertension in the aged person. Numerous questions, few responses]

M Godin1, R Joannides, I Etienne

  • 1Service de Néphrologie, Hôpital de Bois-Guillaume, CHU de Rouen.

Nephrologie
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension is common in older adults and a significant cardiovascular risk. Antihypertensive therapy benefits this group, but treatment decisions for very old individuals and isolated systolic hypertension require further consideration.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Context:

  • Blood pressure naturally rises with age, leading to a high prevalence of hypertension in the elderly.
  • While true prevalence may be overestimated due to arterial stiffness, hypertension remains a critical risk factor for cardiovascular events in older populations.

Purpose:

  • To review the benefits of antihypertensive therapy in the elderly.
  • To address ongoing questions regarding the treatment of hypertension in very old individuals, including isolated systolic hypertension and drug selection.

Summary:

  • Hypertension is prevalent in the elderly, posing a significant risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • Clinical trials demonstrate the benefits of antihypertensive therapy in older adults.
  • Key unresolved issues include the justification of treatment in the very old, management of isolated systolic hypertension, optimal drug choices, and diagnostic approaches for renovascular disease.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management in the elderly.
  • Highlights critical areas for future research and clinical decision-making in geriatric hypertension.
  • Informs clinical practice regarding the benefits and complexities of treating hypertension in older adults.

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