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Hypertension: a review with emphasis on therapeutics with ACE inhibitors
H G Preuss1, J A Gondal, J F Burris
1Georgetown University Medical Center.
Insights
Hypertension management is crucial, especially in older adults. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are recommended as a first-line drug therapy due to their effectiveness and minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension is common in aging populations and significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk.
- Effective blood pressure control is vital for reducing morbidity and mortality.
- Non-pharmacological methods are primary, but drug therapy is necessary when these fail.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of hypertension and its treatment.
- To emphasize the use of ACE inhibitors in elderly patients.
- To highlight the benefits of ideal antihypertensive drugs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on hypertension and its therapeutic options.
- Focus on drug therapy, particularly for elderly individuals.
- Analysis of ACE inhibitors' efficacy and side effect profiles.
Main Results:
- ACE inhibitors are effective first-line treatments for hypertension.
- These drugs exhibit few adverse effects.
- ACE inhibitors offer potential benefits for cardiac and renal health.
Conclusions:
- ACE inhibitors are well-suited for managing hypertension in the elderly.
- Their favorable side effect profile and additional benefits make them a preferred choice.
- Optimizing hypertension treatment in aging individuals is key to cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
Hypertension, more prevalent with aging, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Accordingly, it is important to decrease blood pressure and maintain it in an acceptable range to lessen morbidity and mortality. When nonpharmacological therapy fails, drug therapy should be instituted. The ideal drugs lower blood pressure, have few adverse side effects, and may have additional benefits on coexisting maladies. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors are excellent first-line drugs because they have few adverse effects and may have additional benefits on cardiac and renal status. This overview discusses many aspects of hypertension and its therapy, but emphasizes use of ACE inhibitors in the elderly.