Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 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

High blood pressure in older persons: a high risk special population

J M Flack1

  • 1Hypertension Center, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 25157-1032.

Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|September 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Treating hypertension in older adults is crucial, as high blood pressure (BP) increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Lowering BP gradually reduces stroke, heart disease, and mortality, even with normal creatinine levels.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases with age, leading to isolated systolic hypertension in individuals over 70.
  • Elderly patients face a significantly higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk at comparable blood pressure (BP) levels.
  • End-organ damage, including renal impairment, is prevalent in elderly hypertensive patients, sometimes with normal serum creatinine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the necessity of treating all forms of hypertension (HTN) in the elderly population.
  • To review evidence supporting BP reduction in older adults.
  • To discuss diagnostic evaluations for secondary HTN and debunk common myths.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of eight clinical trials involving elderly patients.
  • Review of existing literature on hypertension management in older adults.
  • Analysis of risk factors and end-organ damage in elderly hypertensive patients.

Main Results:

  • A 15/6 mm Hg treatment difference was observed between intervention and control groups.
  • Intervention groups showed reduced rates of stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD), and all-cause mortality.
  • Gradual BP control to normal ranges is recommended without evidence of harm (J-curve hypothesis).

Conclusions:

  • All forms of hypertension in the elderly require treatment.
  • Therapeutic strategies should consider coexisting medical conditions.
  • Effective BP management in older adults significantly lowers CVD risk and mortality.

More Related Videos

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Alterations in Blood Pressure01:30

Alterations in Blood Pressure

Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
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 beats)...
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...
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients01:15

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients

Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...
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,...