[Isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly].
This review article examines the essential literature concerning isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly (ISH). The prevalence of ISH rises curvilinearly with age from approximately 3% at 30 years of age to 25% at 80 years of age, and is more common in women. The pathophysiology of ISH is not yet completely investigated. It seems that the haemodynamics of ISH differ from those of essential hypertension by showing considerably decreased arterial compliance and lack of elevated peripheral resistance. Humoral changes seem very insufficiently investigated. Several studies have shown that ISH is difficult to diagnose because of a high prevalence of white coat hypertension, perhaps in the area of 40%. The treatment of ISH has formerly been debated. Recently published studies have shown beneficial effects of medical antihypertensive treatment in ISH. First choice drugs should be low-dose thiazides and beta-blockers.
Medicinsk afdeling, Centralsygehuset i Naestved.
W B
WB
Nielsen
T L
TL
Svendsen
S P
SP
Rasmussen
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D013599:Systole
Isoleret systolisk hypertension hos aeldre.