Hypertension in older adults

The elevation of systolic blood pressure (BP) is a particularly significant event in the elderly population, where it is estimated that over 68% of the population is hypertensive. Treatment of hypertension in the elderly population is quite beneficial, but it would be necessary take into account some special characteristics of these patients, such as altered pharmacokinetics, comorbidity, or polypharmacy. The available evidence in individuals aged> 80 years seems to indicate that antihypertensive treatment results in a reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In any case, it is advisable to individualize treatment and it should assess their quality of previous life, their life expectancy and cardiovascular risk situation. The BP from which to establish drug treatment or reduction targets to achieve BP are the points discussed in different international guidelines. © 2017 SEHLELHA. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.