Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly

Isolated systolic hypertension (systolic blood pressure above 160 mm Hg accompanied by diastolic pressure below 90 mm Hg) is found in approximately 25 to 30 per cent of men and women over 75.1 Although convincing evidence indicates that elderly patients with both systolic and diastolic hypertension who are treated have a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular events, it is currently unknown whether treatment of isolated systolic hypertension is associated with a reduction in risk. The commonly held view that isolated systolic hypertension should not be treated is based in part on two misconceptions: that since isolated systolic hypertension accompanies . . .