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[Hypertension in the elderly - changing attitudes toward treatment]

T Gudbrandsson

    Laeknabladid
    |May 20, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    High blood pressure in older adults is common but not normal. Actively lowering elevated blood pressure offers significant benefits for elderly patients, including those with isolated systolic hypertension.

    Area of Science:

    • Gerontology
    • Cardiovascular Medicine
    • Clinical Pharmacology

    Context:

    • Hypertension is a prevalent condition in the elderly population.
    • Elevated blood pressure in older adults is often overlooked or considered a normal part of aging.
    • Recent large-scale trials have investigated the impact of treating hypertension in this demographic.

    Purpose:

    • To review the significance of antihypertensive treatment in elderly patients.
    • To highlight effective strategies for managing hypertension in older individuals.
    • To discuss challenges encountered in the care of elderly patients with hypertension.

    Summary:

    • Raised blood pressure in the elderly is a frequent finding and not a benign occurrence.
    • Intervention trials demonstrate clear benefits from actively lowering elevated arterial pressure in the elderly, including those with isolated systolic hypertension.
    • This review underscores the importance of antihypertensive therapy in this age group.

    Impact:

    • Emphasizes the critical need for active management of hypertension in the elderly.
    • Provides insights into optimal treatment strategies and potential care challenges.
    • Promotes better cardiovascular health outcomes for older adults by addressing elevated blood pressure.

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