Some epidemiologic study would suggest DBP levels higher for certain groups of elderly. Several evidences suggest an increased risk of myocardial infarction, but not of renal diseases, particularly in patients with pre-existing CAD, when the DBP is <85/90 mmHg. 8, 9 The ‘J’ curve phenomenon has been the object of debate since its introduction by Cruickshank in 1979. The Syst-Eur Trial revealed that in patients with CAD, a reduction of DBP <70 mmHg carried a higher risk of CVD. In the SHEP study, cardiovascular risk increased in treated patients for DBP <70 mmHg. The ideal target for DBP in the elderly is a still unanswered question. Protracting the treatment over the 80 years of age, when well tolerated, could be considered. On the other hand, elderly ‘frail’ patients should be treated with caution, carefully considering their comorbidities. Hence isolated systolic hypertension, characterized by SBP >140 mmHg and DBP 140 mmHg, with the goal to reach values <140 mmHg in suitable patients tolerating the treatment well. The structural and functional arterial modifications lead to impaired vessel’s compliance and increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), often with reduction of diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Managing blood pressure is often difficult in the elderly, not only because of comorbidities, but also due to vascular remodelling and the changes in the renal and endocrine physiology. The Framingham study demonstrated that almost two-thirds of males and three quarter of females develop AH by the age of 70 years. In fact, the vast majority of the elderly are affected with AH. The prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) increases with aging.

Elderly, Hypertension, Frailty, SPRINT trialīy the year 2050 one-fifth of the world population will surpass 80 years of age.

Blood pressure charts for seniors