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Epidemiology of Hypertension in Older Adults

Alexander Chaitoff1, Alexander R Zheutlin2

  • 1Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|September 30, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension definitions evolve, but controlling high blood pressure in seniors is vital. This review covers hypertension prevalence and its links to health issues in older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hypertension definitions in older adults have evolved over time.
  • Professional societies increasingly recognize the benefits of strict blood pressure control throughout life.
  • Understanding hypertension in the elderly is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the prevalence of hypertension in older adults.
  • To describe the associations between hypertension and clinical morbidity in this population.
  • To explore the links between hypertension and nonclinical morbidity in older adults.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on hypertension in older adults.
  • Analysis of current guidelines and professional society recommendations.
  • Synthesis of data on prevalence and associated morbidities.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension is common in older adults, with varying prevalence rates.
  • Significant associations exist between hypertension and clinical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, stroke).
  • Nonclinical morbidities, such as cognitive decline and reduced quality of life, are also linked to hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • Strict blood pressure control in older adults is increasingly supported by evidence.
  • Hypertension management in the elderly is essential for reducing both clinical and nonclinical health burdens.
  • Further research may refine optimal blood pressure targets for this demographic.

Keywords:
Cardiovascular diseaseEpidemiologyGeriatricsHypertensionOlder adults

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