title: Recommendations for the treatment of hypertension in the elderly and very elderly--a scotoma within international guidelines.
abstract: The recommendations of international scientific societies for the treatment of hypertension in the geriatric population are different. Lack of outcome trials, non-standardised terminology as well as differing levels of evidence contribute to the inconsistencies in the guidelines. This review article compares six international guidelines (ESH-ESC 2007/2009, SHG 2009, DHL 2008, CHEP 2010, NICE 2011 and JNC7 2003) as well as the consensus document of the ACCF/AHA 2011 in terms of their recommendations of drug classes, target blood pressure values and the use of combination therapy. Generally, antihypertensive therapy appears to be clinically beneficial in geriatric patients. Target blood pressure values of <140-150/90 mm Hg and <140/90 mm Hg can be used as a general guideline for octogenarians (80-89 yrs) and septuagenarians (70-79 yrs) respectively. While angiotensin-II converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics appear to be advantageous in treating combined systolic-diastolic hypertension, calcium-channel blockers and diuretics are to be recommended in the management of isolated systolic hypertension. Combination therapy often increases the efficacy of the treatment as well as patient medication adherence. Furthermore, by making the most of drug combination synergy, lower doses may be used resulting in fewer side-effects.
authors.affiliation: Chris Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgerry, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Hendrik.Schaefer@gmx.ch
authors.forename: Hans-Hendrik
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Schäfer
authors.forename: Jacob N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: De Villiers
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sudano
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dischinger
authors.forename: Gian-Reto
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Theus
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zilla
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dieterle
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents