[Elevated cardiovascular mortality in subjects over 75 with low values of arterial pressure].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to extend the observations from recent studies that have shown an increased mortality in elderly people with low blood pressure.


METHODS
In 1982 we enrolled 88 subjects, 30 males, 58 females, aged 75-90 years, divided into 3 groups, according to their blood pressure and matched for sex, serum cholesterol, smoking and body mass index: Group I: 20 people with blood pressure equal or less than 120/75 mmHg; Group II: 46 subjects with blood pressure level ranging from 130/80 to 145/90 mmHg; Group III: 22 patients with hypertension (blood pressure equal or more than 160/95 mmHg). These three groups were followed for 6 years (1983-1988) to evaluate the mortality from cardiovascular diseases. During this period, no antihypertensive drugs were given, nor did any other treatment significantly modify the value of blood pressure. No patient changed starting group.


RESULTS
Mortality from cardiovascular diseases was as follows: Group I: 14 deaths (mean age 82 +/- 5, 8 for heart failure, 2 for myocardial infarction, 4 for stroke); Group II: 8 (p < 0.001 versus Group I, mean age 81 +/- 3, 6 for heart failure, 1 for myocardial infarction, 1 for stroke); Group III: 4 (p < 0.001 versus Group I, mean age 80 +/- 2, 1 for heart failure, 1 for myocardial infarction, 1 for stroke and 1 for sudden death).


CONCLUSIONS
This study adds further observations indicating an increase of mortality for cardiovascular diseases in subjects over 75 years with low levels of blood pressure, which could be more dangerous than moderately high levels in older people.
Cattedra di Medicina Interna dell'Università di Brescia.
A
A
Zaninelli
R
R
Fariello
E
E
Boni
L
L
Corda
C
C
Alicandri
V
V
Grassi
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D007022:Hypotension / Q000401:mortality* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis
Elevata mortalità cardiovascolare in soggetti ultrasettantacinquenni con bassi valori di pressione arteriosa.