General Principles, Etiologies, Evaluation, and Management in Older Adults

Clin Geriatr Med. 2024 Nov;40(4):551-571. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2024.04.008. Epub 2024 Aug 1.

Abstract

Hypertension impacts most older adults as one of many multiple chronic conditions. A thorough evaluation is required to assess overall health, cardiovascular status, and comorbid conditions that impact treatment targets. In the absence of severe frailty or dementia, intensive treatment prevents more cardiovascular events than standard treatment and may slow cognitive decline. "Start low and go slow" is not the best strategy for many older adults as fewer cardiovascular events occur when hypertension is controlled within the first 3 to 6 months of treatment.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular risk factors; Geriatrics; Hypertension; Intensive treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Geriatric Assessment* / methods
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / therapy

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents