Maximizing antihypertensive management in the elderly

The management of hypertension in the elderly is safer and more effective i f we consider diurnal fluctuations in blood pressure, preexisting postural and postprandial hypotension, and coronary risk when setting therapeutic go als and selecting or adjusting antihypertensive medications. Lifestyle modi fications should coincide with drug therapy in the management of elderly hy pertensive patients. The author suggests a checklist of specific considerat ions when treating hypertension in the elderly.