Hypertension in Adults Across the Age Spectrum

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Abstract
Elderly persons are among the fastest growing segments of the US population1 and they have the highest prevalence of hypertension.2 Despite numerous trials demonstrating the benefits of blood pressure lowering among older individuals with hypertension,3-9 available data suggest that rates of treatment and control are suboptimal.10-13 Studies from national surveillance data, however, are typically limited to adults younger than 75 years of age.10,14,15 Data are sparse regarding current patterns of treatment and control of hypertension among individuals 80 years of age and older. In addition, contemporary risks associated with hypertension in this oldest age group are poorly characterized. Therefore, we sought to determine the current prevalence, patterns, treatment, control, and risks of hypertension in persons aged 80 years or older compared with younger individuals with hypertension in the community.
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