Systemic arterial hypertension in the elderly. Recommendations for clinical practice

• Published in: Revista médica (Mexico : 1983) Vol. 54 Suppl 1; p. s75
• Main Authors: Rosas-Peralta, Martín, Borrayo-Sánchez, Gabriela, Madrid-Miller, Alejandra, Ramírez-Arias, Erick, Pérez-Rodríguez, Gilberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Mexico 2016
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antihypertensive Agents - therapeutic use; Humans; Hypertension - complications; Hypertension - drug therapy; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Hypertension; Elderly
• ISSN: 0443-5117

Hypertension is common in people aged 65 and older. In those aged 70 and older, hypertension is more poorly controlled than in those whose age is between 60 and 69 years. The number of trials available concerning the elderly population is limited; therefore, strong recommendations on blood pressure (BP) goals are limited. The American College of Cardiology has recently published a consensus report of management of hypertension in the elderly population. This review presents an overview of that consensus report and reviews specific studies that provide some novel findings regarding BP goals and the progression of nephropathy. In general, the evidence strongly supports a BP goal < 150/80 mm Hg for the elderly with scant data in those aged 80 and older. However, it was decided to set the goal < 140/90 mm Hg, unless the patient cannot tolerate it, and then try to achieve 140-145 mm Hg. Diuretics and calcium antagonists are the most efficient treatment; however, most patients will require two or more drugs to achieve such goals.