Clinical profile of isolated systolic hypertension in elderly

Abstract

Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common hemodynamic form of hypertension in the elderly. With a rapidly aging population, the prevalence of hypertension, particularly isolated systolic hypertension, is increasing steadily. Isolated systolic hypertension is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity, particularly of cerebrovascular disease. It is a rapidly growing public health concern and its management continues to remain a challenge to practicing physicians. Recent studies like the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) and Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE)-3 have implications for antihypertensive therapy in general and for the management of isolated systolic hypertension in particular.