[Clinical approach in hypertensive elderly patients]

Abstract

Hypertension in the elderly represents a cardiovascular risk factor which increases due to ageing and to the raise of blood pressure (BP) values. The occurrence of hypertension depends on an interaction between genes and environment. An available antihypertensive therapy causes a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular events. An antihypertensive therapy in the elderly must take into account: in these subjects BP might be spontaneously lower over 30 mmHg in 24 hours; people normally have a postprandial BP reduction; sudden raises or falls of pressure cause cerebral hypoperfusion; some adverse vents of hypertensive drugs worsen their quality of life, not reducing myocardial hypertrophy; possible electrolytic troubles might worsen a congestive heart failure; drastic diets cause a raise in the incidence of colorectal tumours; a high heart rate increases the risk of sudden death; a chronic NSAID intake might cause or aggravate a hypertensive state; a reduction of natrium chlorure and lipides in the diet might cause a BP fall. In short, the BP reduction should be gradual in the hypertensive elderly in order to avoid the occurrence of cardiovascular events, diets should be balanced, rich in fibres and vitamins to avoid colorectal tumours. Besides, NSAID must be used by these patients for a short time and all therapeutic interventions should improve their quality of life.