title: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade effects on the kidney in the elderly: benefits and limitations.
abstract: The proportion of the population that is elderly (age>or=65 years) is growing across the world. The increasing longevity of humans results in a higher number of elderly patients' presenting with multiple chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These problems increase morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Overactivity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is associated with the development of hypertension, cardiovascular events, and CKD, so targeting the RAAS is a logical therapeutic approach. Elderly patients present special concerns regarding the benefits versus risks of using RAAS blockers. Plasma renin activity declines with age, which has been attributed to the effect of age-associated nephrosclerosis. Plasma aldosterone is also reduced with age, resulting in a greater risk for hyperkalemia in older individuals, especially when coupled with the age-associated decline in GFR. Moreover, the elderly have a higher frequency of concurrent conditions and are on many medications, which may further increase the risk for adverse effects of RAAS blocking agents. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of literature that is specifically aimed at studying elderly using the RAAS blockers. We present in our in-depth review data regarding benefits and limitations of the use of the RAAS blockades on the various sites along the RAAS pathway for elderly patients. Specific attention was given to the role of combination RAAS blockade therapy and higher monotherapy dosing in the treatment of hypertension in the elderly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 800133, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. turgutfaruk@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Faruk
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Turgut
authors.forename: Rasheed A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Balogun
authors.forename: Emaad M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Abdel-Rahman
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists