Hypertension in the Elderly

Hypertension as a risk factor for cardiac and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality poses a major health problem for our increasingly elderly population. Recent trials have shown large reductions in stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease when elderly hypertensive patients are treated. These benefits are also seen in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension. The elderly patient with hypertension should be investigated and managed in a similar manner to their younger counterpart. Nonpharmacological measures, such as dietary salt and calorie restriction, regular exercise, cessation of smoking, and reduction of excess alcohol intake, should be recommended. If these are insufficient, pharmacological treatment should be tailored to the individual patient. Diuretics have been shown to improve outcome measures in the elderly. Other antihypertensive drugs may be added or substituted depending on the patient's blood pressure response to therapy and their comorbid conditions. If all elderly hypertensive patients were treated, a major reduction in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality and morbidity would result. Consideration also needs to be given to nonpharmacological treatment, particularly salt restriction in older subjects where blood pressure is at the upper limit of normal, as this would also result in a major reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.