title: [Specific aspects of hypertension control in the geriatric patient].
abstract: Hypertensive patients older than 65 obtain greater benefit from antihypertensive therapy than do younger patients. The universally accepted values for the adjustment of blood pressure--140/90 mmHg--also apply in the case of the elderly. Hypertension control in this age group necessitates the taking into account of a number of peculiarities, including a tendency for these patients to develop postprandial hypotension, and to exhibit a diminishment in thirst, impairment of renal function and cognitive performance on the one hand, and an increase in salt sensitivity, comorbidity and a need for further medications. With regard to medicinal treatment, the basic rule is "start low, go slow", that is, a combination approach should be initiated at the lowest possible dose, which can then be gradually increased. Medical treatment is supplemented by age-group-related recommendations for general measures.
authors.affiliation: Hypertensiologe DHL, IV. Medizinische Abt., Asklepios Klinik Barmbek, Hamburg. k.wagner@asklepios.com
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wagner
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents