$Unique_ID{BRK02331}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is a Little High Blood Pressure a Concern for Older People?}
$Subject{circulatory system high blood pressure bp age aged aging elderly
hypertension hypertensive stroke strokes cerebrovascular coronary artery
disease heart attack older citizens}
$Volume{G-7,T-7}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is a Little High Blood Pressure a Concern for Older People?


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QUESTION:  What are your thoughts on treating some situations in older people.
I'm getting on in years.  I have a little high blood pressure.  Does it truly
make any sense to treat it at my age?

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ANSWER:  Yes.  It's true that until recently there has been little evidence to
suggest that specific treatment to lower high blood pressure in elderly
patients would significantly affect their life expectancy.  But, as
hypertension is a major contributor to stroke and coronary artery disease,
continuing studies to discover a link between treatment and mortality in the
elderly have continued.
     Research has now shown important reasons to treat hypertensive patients
over the age of 60.  In fact, there are three direct benefits to be derived
from treating hypertension in older patients, which include a reduction in the
chances of suffering a fatal heart attack, severe congestive heart failure,
and stroke.
     The distinction between "fatal" and "nonfatal" heart attack is an
important one.  Treatment of your high blood pressure does not eliminate the
possibility of heart attack, but has been found to significantly reduce the
possibilities of it being a fatal one.  Similarly, the number of cases of
severe congestive heart failure are lowered when patients are actively
treating their blood pressure.  And last, but not least, your chances of
having a stroke are also cut down by the same care aimed at keeping your blood
pressure where it belongs.  Based on these findings, it is now the opinion of
researchers that treatment of high blood pressure in older citizens such as
you, does indeed "make sense."

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.