Managing the elderly patient with both hypertension and pulmonary disease

Older patients with both hypertension and pulmonary disease pose a challenge to the physician. Satisfactory blood-pressure control must be achieved without exacerbating the concomitant pulmonary disease. Diuretics may interfere with mucus production and cause acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities. The beta-adrenergic blocking agents should be avoided because of their risk of inducing bronchospasm. If a beta blocker must be used, it should be combined with an alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocker, or an agent with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity or beta 1 selectivity. The direct and indirect vasodilators may be used safely in these patients, but the risk of worsening any underlying coronary artery disease must be kept in mind when prescribing either hydralazine or minoxidil. The calcium channel blockers and ACE-inhibitors have the best safety record in treating the elderly who have hypertension and COPD. For these patients, the calcium channel blockers offer the advantage of simultaneous therapy of coronary artery disease, whereas hypertensive patients with congestive heart failure would be more likely to benefit from an ACE-inhibitor. The ability to treat hypertension without precipitating unwanted adverse reactions or dangerous side effects is one of the arts of medicine. Fortunately, the range of drugs available to today's physician allows safe and efficacious treatment of the elderly patient who has both hypertension and pulmonary disease.