Understanding systolic hypertension in the elderly.
Among the various causes of blood pressure in the elderly population, isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is the commonest. Its prevalence increases with age. Age related rigidity of aorta is the primary cause of ISH. Systolic rise in blood pressure is at least as important as the diastolic blood pressure. Several non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies are well-established for reduction of blood pressure in this age group. Among different groups of anti-hypertensive drugs, the preference depends primarily on co-morbidities and overall cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle modification should also be an integral part of therapy for each patient. Various studies suggest that control of blood pressure definitely decreases the incidence of mortality as well as coronary artery disease, stroke and other morbidities.
Gupta
R
R
Department of Cardiology, Escorts Heart Institute And Research Centre, New Delhi.
Kasliwal
R R
RR
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000502:physiology