[Isolated systolic hypertension in the aged].
The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is age-related. Its connection with the demographic shift experienced during the last century, results in an outstanding role, mainly as risk factor for most disabling diseases such as stroke. Epidemiological research suggests a high prevalence of the disease and--since the cut-off for hypertension has been lowered by the Joint National Committee--figures of the problem are, at the moment, probably underestimated. Several studies provided reliable data about the role of ISH as risk factor for mortality, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Large clinical trials show that drug therapy has proved effective in lowering blood pressure and in preventing fatal and non fatal related events.
Marigliano
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Cattedra di Gerontologia e Geriatria, Università La Sapienza, Roma. marigliano@uniroma1.it
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013599:Systole
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D004232:Diuretics