AMBULATORY BLOOD-PRESSURE MONITORING (ABP M) IN THE ELDERLY

Authors
Citation
P. Trenkwalder, AMBULATORY BLOOD-PRESSURE MONITORING (ABP M) IN THE ELDERLY, Nieren- und Hochdruckkrankheiten, 24(3), 1995, pp. 160-163
Citations number
NO
Categorie Soggetti
Urology & Nephrology
ISSN journal
03005224
Volume
24
Issue
3
Year of publication
1995
Pages
160 - 163
Database
ISI
SICI code
0300-5224(1995)24:3<160:ABM(MI>2.0.ZU;2-T
Abstract
Application and feasibility of ABPM in the elderly are comparable to y ounger age groups. The main indications are diagnosis and control of t reatment in hypertensive patients. Further indications are the diagnos is of syncope or hypotensive disorders and the diagnostic work-up of s ymptoms like vertigo, dizziness and dyspnoe. In hypertensives, ABPM ca n easily assess a white coat effect or cases of white coat hypertensio n (prevalence in the eldery 15-20%). The prognostic significance of wh ite coat hypertensions remains to be determined. Determination of circ adian blood pressure changes with analysis of the 24-hour blood pressu re profile and the day-night-difference raises the possibility to asse ss age-related changes. The drop in blood pressure at night (during sl eep) is usually decreased and less frequently observed in elderly hype rtensives. So-called ''non-dippers'' with no adequate drop in night-ti me blood pressure show a significant increase in cardiovascular compli cations. Control of treatment via ABPM permits the diagnosis of non-re sponders and overtreatment and the objective analysis of side effects. Although ABPM improves and frequently facilitates the care of hyperte nsive patients in the elderly it remains to be determined if it can al so improve the long-term outcome of these patients.