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Elderly hypertensive patients: are they adequately treated?
1Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
Journal of Human Hypertension
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Hypertension is common in elderly patients, with over 42% having high blood pressure. Many chronic cases go untreated, highlighting an urgent need for better management in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant health concern in the elderly population.
- Understanding the prevalence and management of hypertension in older adults is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the scope and importance of hypertension in individuals aged 65 and above.
- To evaluate the treatment status and comorbidities associated with hypertension in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 551 outpatients aged 65 years or older.
- Blood pressure (BP) measurements to identify hypertension (systolic BP > 160 mmHg or diastolic BP > 90 mmHg).
- Review of treatment history, comorbidities, and prescription of antihypertensive drugs.
Main Results:
- 42.29% of elderly outpatients had hypertension.
- Among hypertensive patients, 74.68% had chronic hypertension, and 25.32% were newly diagnosed.
- Adequate treatment was found in only 22.41% of chronic hypertensive patients; 50% received no treatment.
- Common comorbidities included cerebrovascular disease (17.95%), diabetes (16.67%), and coronary artery disease (16.24%).
Conclusions:
- Hypertension in the elderly is prevalent and often undertreated.
- It represents a critical, underestimated health issue within this growing demographic.
- Effective management strategies are needed to address the complex health profile of hypertensive older adults.