The expanding role of angiotensin receptor blockers in the management of the elderly hypertensive

Abstract

The world faces the challenge of an ageing population, and for developed countries, the particular challenge is the increasing number of very old people, over 80 years of age. Hypertension is a condition associated with increasing age, but elderly patients with hypertension are often difficult to manage. Nevertheless, treatment of hypertension is of greatest value in older patients who often have additional risk factors or cardiovascular disease. Older patients have generally tolerated antihypertensive therapy well in randomised, placebo-controlled trials. The tolerability of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is better than that of many other classes of drugs currently used for the management of hypertension and these drugs have virtually no contraindications. Thus, ARBs have a bright future in the management of hypertension and in the treatment of stroke and cognitive decline in the elderly.