TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERLY

Hypertension is present in over 50% of elderly patients and constitute s a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This paper reviews the rationale for treating hypertension in the elderly, discusses the choice of antihypertensive therapy and optimal target b lood pressure, and summarizes ongoing clinical trials. The major quest ions that remain to be answered are the optimal level of blood pressur e reduction in the elderly and the long-term efficacy and safety of ne wer antihypertensive agents compared with diuretics and beta-blockers.