[False and true hypertension in the aged subject. Diagnostic errors and potential solutions]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Context:

• Arterial hypertension is defined similarly across age groups but presents unique challenges in the elderly.
• Epidemiological studies confirm hypertension as a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in older adults.
• Traditional auscultation with mercury manometers, the reference method, is prone to significant measurement errors.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the reliability of blood pressure measurement methods in the elderly.
• To highlight the limitations of traditional auscultatory methods, such as pseudohypertension.
• To advocate for scientifically validated autonomous instruments using oscillometry for improved accuracy.

Summary:

• Arterial hypertension poses a significant cardiovascular risk in the elderly.
• Conventional blood pressure measurement methods are susceptible to errors, particularly in this demographic.
• Oscillometric devices, validated scientifically, present a more reliable alternative for accurate blood pressure assessment in older individuals.
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring shows potential but requires further validation in elderly populations.

Impact:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy for hypertension in the elderly.
• Reduced risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment due to measurement errors.
• Potential for better cardiovascular event prediction and management through reliable blood pressure monitoring.
• Advancement in the clinical application of oscillometric technology for geriatric hypertension care.