Hypertension in the Elderly

Management of hypertension in the elderly population is often times a therapeutic challenge. These individuals are at high risk of the deleterious consequences of high blood pressure, such as stroke and heart failure. At the same time, they are also at high risk of adverse events related to the use of blood pressure lowering drugs, including falls and syncope. Randomized trial data do support the benefits of blood pressure lowering, albeit in carefully selected populations. We discuss the evidence in this area, anchored by a few illustrative case vignettes.