title: Role of calcium antagonists as initial pharmacologic monotherapy for systemic hypertension in patients over 60 years of age.
abstract: Hypertension is most prevalent in older patients and is associated with increasing morbidity and mortality with age. The ability of antihypertensive treatment to reduce these complications in the elderly is now well established. However, several aspects of the treatment of hypertension are being evaluated. In particular, there is a growing trend to avoid individualizing the choice of medication. This is of particular concern in older patients who may differ in the pathophysiology of their hypertension, in their accompanying medical conditions, and in how they may respond to antihypertensive drugs. In addition, elderly hypertensives are often taking a number of medications in addition to antihypertensive drugs. This, along with the fact that the elderly often metabolize drugs more slowly, makes this group particularly susceptible to drug-drug interactions and pharmacologically induced toxic side effects. Considering these points, it appears that the calcium channel blockers are attractive antihypertensive agents for the elderly population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Giles
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Massie
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers