Are systolic/diastolic and isolated systolic hypertension risk factors for the elderly?
Diastolic elevation of blood pressure increases the relative risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as much for the elderly patient as it does for the younger patient, and data from large prospective trials show that treating it will reduce the risk. Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), long mistakenly regarded as a natural phenomenon of aging, may be an even greater determinant of cardiovascular risk in elderly patients than diastolic hypertension. Theoretical and clinical data refute the theory that ISH is merely a marker for medial arteriosclerosis. Although no prospective data regarding the benefit of treating ISH are yet available, the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program, currently under way, should be able to provide clinicians with guidelines for treating this condition.
Gifford
R W
RW
Division of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D003971:Diastole / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013599:Systole / Q000502:physiology; D014481:United States