HYPERTENSION AND CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE IN THE ELDERLY

Both hypertension and coronary artery disease are common in the geriat ric population, and a variety of pathogenetic links exist between the two disorders. In the elderly patient, coronary artery disease is ofte n asymptomatic and more difficult to recognize clinically. Antihyperte nsive therapy has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from co ronary artery disease in the elderly to some extent. A more specific a nd individualized approach is more likely to increase these therapeuti c benefits.