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Published on: May 26, 2022
[Management of arterial hypertension in the elderly]
Insights
High blood pressure is common in older adults, posing health risks and economic burdens. Effective treatments, including medication and lifestyle changes, can significantly reduce mortality and cardiovascular events in this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Hypertension is highly prevalent in the elderly population.
- Arterial stiffness contributes to systolic hypertension in older individuals.
- Elevated blood pressure in the elderly presents significant health threats and economic costs.
Purpose:
- To review the management of hypertension in elderly patients.
- To highlight the benefits of antihypertensive therapy in reducing mortality.
- To provide guidance on blood pressure targets and treatment strategies for older adults.
Summary:
- Antihypertensive therapy effectively reduces cardiovascular and total mortality in the elderly.
- Non-pharmacological approaches are beneficial but should not be overly restrictive.
- Recommended blood pressure target for individuals over 65 is 150/80 mmHg, with measurement in the upright position.
Impact:
- Improved management of hypertension in the elderly can lead to better health outcomes.
- Reduced cardiovascular morbi-mortality and total mortality in older hypertensive patients.
- Potential for significant cost savings in healthcare systems through effective hypertension management.
Abstract:
High blood pressure is very frequent in the elderly; it represents a real threat for the patient's health and a source of huge costs for the economic system. Systolic hypertension is the most frequent form observed in the old, due to large arteries stiffness. Antihypertensive therapy has proven effective to decrease significantly the cardiovascular morbi-mortality and total mortality in this population. A non pharmacological approach is also very useful, but should not be too restrictive. Blood pressure target in patients older than 65 (and, particularly, in octogenarians) is 150/80 mmHg. Blood pressure should be checked in the upright position before changing the drug dosage. The first line therapy in the old should generally be a calcium channel antagonist or a low dose diuretic.
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