title: Cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Hypertension is a common problem with advancing age, approaching or exceeding a 50% prevalence in the aging population. When blood pressure consistently exceeds 140/90 mm Hg, it should be treated. Patients with borderline isolated systolic hypertension should have their blood pressure measured at 6 month intervals. Risk of isolated systolic hypertension is sufficient to justify cautiously administering drug therapy if nonpharmacologic therapy fails to bring the systolic pressure less than 160 mm Hg, even though controlled studies have not been completed to prove efficacy. Both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy are recommended for those with sustained pressure elevation. Adverse effects of antihypertensive drugs may be minimized by starting with lower doses and by checking blood pressure in the upright position.
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Frohlich
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Gifford
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D014481:United States