Hypertension in the elderly

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
08:25

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly

Published on: March 11, 2022

3.3K

J L Dall1

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland.

The American Journal of Medicine
|September 18, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Treating hypertension in older adults is crucial for preventing stroke and heart failure. Various medications effectively lower blood pressure, with drug choice depending on individual patient health and side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology

Background:

  • The link between hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure in the elderly was traditionally attributed to arterial hardening.
  • Recent research indicates that hypertension is not universal in the elderly, and its absence correlates with lower risks of stroke and heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding and treatment of hypertension in the elderly population.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of various antihypertensive agents in older adults.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical trial data, including the European Working Party on Hypertension in the Elderly and the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Programme.
  • Analysis of data on blood pressure reduction, therapeutic agents, and patient compliance in elderly individuals.

Main Results:

  • Successful blood pressure reduction in the elderly has been demonstrated with multiple drug classes, including thiazides, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and centrally acting drugs.
  • These agents can safely achieve similar systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions.
  • Drug selection is influenced by potential side effects and the presence of comorbidities like diabetes or heart failure.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension management in the elderly is increasingly important and achievable.
  • A range of effective pharmacological options exist for lowering blood pressure in older adults.
  • The optimal choice of antihypertensive medication requires careful clinical consideration of individual patient factors and comorbidities.

More Related Videos

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People12:59

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Published on: July 5, 2017

13.3K
Laser-Induced Chronic Ocular Hypertension Model on SD Rats06:34

Laser-Induced Chronic Ocular Hypertension Model on SD Rats

Published on: December 3, 2007

11.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
579
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,...
969
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,...
911
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.
452
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...
4.4K
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis01:30

Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
659