Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

18.7K

Hypertension in older patients, a retrospective cohort study

C G H Blok1, M A J de Ridder2, K M C Verhamme2

  • 1Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus Medical Centre, P.O. Box 2040, 3015 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. c.g.h.blok@erasmusmc.nl.

BMC Geriatrics
|July 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

General Practitioners (GPs) diagnose hypertension less often in older adults but initiate treatment appropriately once diagnosed. This study highlights age-related differences in hypertension management by GPs.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiology
  • Primary Care Medicine

Background:

  • Hypertension (HT) management varies across age groups, but the extent of differences in primary care is unclear.
  • General Practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in managing hypertension in diverse patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare hypertension management in older patients versus younger age groups by General Practitioners.
  • Investigate age-related disparities in hypertension diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study using the Integrated Primary Care Information (IPCI) database (September 2010 - December 2012).
  • Included patients aged 60+ without pre-existing HT, DM, or ASCVD.
  • Analyzed diagnosis of HT and use of antihypertensive medication, stratified by systolic blood pressure (SBP) and logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • 19,500 patients included; 6.1% newly diagnosed with HT.
  • Older patients were less likely to be diagnosed with HT, even after adjusting for SBP (OR per year 0.98, p<0.001).
  • No significant age effect on the probability of treatment initiation in newly diagnosed HT patients (p=0.82).

Conclusions:

  • General Practitioners are less inclined to diagnose hypertension as patient age increases.
  • Treatment is not withheld in older patients once diagnosed with hypertension.
  • Age influences hypertension diagnosis but not treatment initiation in primary care.
Abstract

Keywords:
Age factorsAged 80 and overElectronic health recordsGeneral practiceHypertension

More Related Videos

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

3.5K

Related Concept Videos

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.