Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
Relationship between blood pressure and frailty in older hypertensive outpatients
Giorgio Basile1,2, Antonino Catalano3, Giuseppe Mandraffino4
1Unit of Geriatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria n., Policlinico pad B, 98125, Messina, Italy. giorgio.basile@unime.it.
Background:
The benefits and risks of treating hypertension in old and frail patients are debated.
Aim:
The aim of the present study is to measure the frailty status in older patients with hypertension and determine the relationships existing between blood pressure (BP) values and frailty.
Methods:
Frailty was retrospectively assessed by using the frailty index (FI) in 56 hypertensive old outpatients. Patients with an FI > 0.25 were classified as frail.
Results:
Forty-five out of 56 (80%) had a FI > 0.25. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between FI and systolic BP (r = -0.319, p = 0.016), orthostatic systolic BP (r = -0.408, p = 0.002), orthostatic diastolic BP (r = -0.299, p = 0.025), and orthostatic pulse pressure (r = -0.297, p = 0.026).
Discussion:
Frailer subjects appear as over-treated according to current European guidelines.
Conclusions:
FI can play an important role in the clinical setting by supporting the identification of subjects at risk and allowing an improved provision of adapted and personalized care.
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
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.
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

