Arterial hypertension as a risk factor in the elderly and its treatment

Purpose: World Health Statistic Annuals between 1973 and 1982 show that mortality from cardiovascular and coronary heart disease fell significantly during this period. Against this background, the present review analyses results from trials of antihypertensive therapy in elderly hypertensives. Study selection: The review examined available trials specifically devoted to testing the hypothesis that antihypertensive treatment in the elderly hypertensive can lead to a decrease in morbidity and mortality. Results of data analysis: Different, randomly allocated, controlled trials have shown that a pharmacological reduction in blood pressure can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in the elderly to a similar extent as in young and adult hypertensive patients. Recent reviews have indicated, in contrast to previous suggestions, that the available antihypertensive agents do not have an age-dependent effect. Therefore the choice of antihypertensive therapy is more dependent on previous use or the presence of concomitant diseases. Conclusions: Arterial hypertension is a risk factor in the elderly which can be reduced with pharmacological intervention.