HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERLY - ATTITUDES OF BRITISH PATIENTS AND GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS

The perceptions of patients and GPs of the risk of stroke in treated a nd untreated elderly hypertensives, and their attitudes towards anti-h ypertensive therapy were examined. To explore attitudes of patients to the management of hypertension a qualitative approach was used, emplo ying semi-structured interviews, with subsequent thematic analysis of the transcriptions. A questionnaire study of GPs' attitudes to the sam e subject was also conducted. The elderly (n = 75) greatly overestimat e the risks of hypertension and the benefits of treatment. Most would accept anti-hypertensive therapy despite being informed of the true ri sks, citing confidence in their doctor as the major determinant in the ir decision. GPs (n = 121) were well informed of the risks and benefit s, but less than half adhere to current guidelines. GPs should be awar e how much the elderly overestimate the risks of hypertension and the benefits of its treatment. When considering treating hypertension in t his group, patient contributions in the treatment decisionmaking proce ss should be actively encouraged, especially as many elderly hold a de ferential attitude towards their doctor. Patients should be informed o f the risks of their disease and the benefits of treatment in terms th ey understand. The use of visual aids helps patients to grasp the diff icult concepts of risk and benefit.