[Converting-enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of elderly hypertension patients]

According to this review of available data on converting enzyme inhibitors in elderly hypertensives, the drugs' hypotensive action has been clearly established and seems to be similar in degree to that of diuretics. Adverse reactions during converting enzyme inhibitor treatment in the elderly may be slightly more frequent than in younger patients, but whether this is related to the drugs themselves or to the general characteristics of elderly hypertensives has not been established. Likewise, whether or not the hypotensive action of converting enzyme inhibitors is age-related is as yet unknown. Finally, studies on the impact of converting enzyme inhibitors on morbidity, mortality and general well being in elderly patients have not been carried out or published. Thus, while the drugs appear to have usefulness in the older hypertensive, their benefits and precise use in this age group are not as yet definitive.