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Abstract

Aging in westernized industrialized societies is associated with an increasing prevalence of hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, renal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease. This increase in chronic disease processes in industrialized societies is related, in part, to increasing obesity, reduced physical activity, medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and other environmental influences. Hypertension in the elderly is characterized by high peripheral vascular resistance, reduced baroreflex sensitivity, a low renin state with reduced cardiac output/ increased hypertrophy, reduced intravascular volume, and an increased propensity to salt-sensitivity. Initial antihypertensive therapy in the elderly should be based on attempts to affect hygienic measures such as weight, reduction in salt and fat intake, and a careful aerobic exercise program. The initial antihypertensive drugs of choice are low doses of diuretics, which have been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality in the elderly. Low doses of diuretics do not substantively affect carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Lipid abnormalities in the elderly should generally be treated in a similar fashion to those in the middle-aged individual. Compliance with medical therapy in the elderly has been demonstrated to be relatively good.

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© American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd. 2001
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