Pathophysiology of hypertension in the elderly.
Systolic hypertension is the most common type of hypertension in the elderly and a major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Systolic hypertension is associated with a wide pulse pressure resulting largely from excessive large artery stiffness. Arterial stiffness increases with age independently of mean blood pressure or the presence of other risk factors. In this review, the authors discuss the effects of age and blood pressure on arterial stiffness, the physiology of arterial compliance, and the anatomic changes of large arteries with aging. In most studies reported in the literature, elderly populations are relatively small. The role of both age and gender on arterial stiffness and wave reflection has been poorly investigated, particularly in subjects over 70 years. In this elderly population, further research is needed concerning the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and pharmacology of hypertension.
Laurent
Stéphane
S
Department of Pharmacology, EMI-U 0107 Inserm, Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou, 20 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France. stephane.laurent@egp.ap-hop-paris.fr
Boutouyrie
Pierre
P
Benetos
Athanase
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged / Q000502:physiology*; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology