Isolated Systolic Hypertension in Geriatrics

Hypertension, often called the “silent killer”, is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes in the elderly. Its effective management is crucial to prevent damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys. Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is particularly critical in the elderly population. Cardiovascular risk factors, including pulse pressure and wave velocity, are closely associated with systolic blood pressure and influenced by arterial stiffness and wave reflections. Managing ISH is complex due to the potential negative effects of certain medications and individual variability in treatment response. This paper will address these issues, evaluating antihypertensive drugs, combination therapy, personalized treatment plans, and updated guidelines for managing ISH.