Pathophysiology of blood pressure in the elderly.
Several of the factors responsible for circulatory control are modified in the elderly. Loss of elasticity of the aortic wall produces a widened pulse pressure and a high incidence of systolic hypertension. Attempts to normalize this may be associated with disabling diastolic hypotension. Arterial baroreceptor sensitivity and responsiveness of the renin-angiotensin system is reduced. Further, the renal capacity to conserve sodium and water is impaired. All these increase the risks associated with antihypertensive treatment, but do not contra-indicate such treatment.
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001011:Aorta / Q000503:physiopathology; D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology; D001160:Arterioles / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003971:Diastole; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology; D011311:Pressoreceptors / Q000503:physiopathology; D013599:Systole