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The over 80's can treat hypertension

Even though some doctors may be reluctant, a new study has shown reducing blood pressure in patients over 80 years is effective.

Reducing blood pressure in this age group has been reported to reduce the rate of stroke, heart failure and death from cardiovascular disease.

The Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial

A team of researchers studied 3,845 people for 2 years, aged 80 years or older and treated them with either a diuretic or a placebo.

At the end of the study the systolic blood pressure of the patients who took the diuretic was 15 mmHg lower than the patients who received the placebo. Their diastolic pressure was 6.1 mmHg lower than the placebo patients.

In addition the rate of stroke among those who took the diuretic was 30% lower and the rate of death from stroke was reduced by 39%. There was also a 64% reduction in the rate of heart failure among patients who took a diuretic, compared with those receiving a placebo.

Conclusions

Dr. Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, said "This study convincingly demonstrates that the benefits of treating high blood pressure in patients age 80 and above greatly outweighs the risks."

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