Some considerations for blood pressure control in the elderly

  In the elderly, due to aging, the elasticity of the large arteries decreases and vascular compliance decreases, so blood pressure often shows an increase in systolic pressure, an increase in pulse pressure and large fluctuations in blood pressure. Therefore, the control of blood pressure in the elderly requires special treatment.  Before administering antihypertensive therapy, a comprehensive assessment of the elderly is needed, including but not limited to: blood pressure levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and the presence of other coexisting diseases such as tumors.  Treatment should emphasize systolic blood pressure, taking into account diastolic blood pressure. During the process of antihypertensive treatment, attention should be paid to monitoring blood pressure changes, avoiding adverse reactions caused by too rapid blood pressure lowering, and achieving gradual progress.  1, non-pharmacological treatment: these are the basis, including a healthy diet (low sodium and high potassium, fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality protein, dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids and other reasonable diet), regular scientific exercise (≥ 5 days a week, ≥ 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, not recommended strenuous exercise), quit smoking and limit alcohol (alcohol <25g/d for men, 15g/d for women), weight control, improve sleep, and calm The heart attitude.  2, drug treatment, commonly used diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCB), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), beta-blockers and other drugs.  For elderly patients above the target target value of 20 mmHg or more, the start can be a combination of two antihypertensive drugs to start treatment, and if the target is still not met, a combination of three drugs or a single tablet combination is recommended. In terms of antihypertensive target should be taken in stages, blood pressure ≥ 150/90mmHg that initiates antihypertensive drug therapy, first reduce blood pressure to <150/90mmHg, if tolerated, systolic blood pressure can be further reduced to <140mmHg, but do not go below 110mmHg. The specific need for professional doctors to choose the appropriate antihypertensive drugs according to the condition of each patient, the ultimate goal is to --- reduce morbidity and mortality, improve quality of life and prolong life expectancy.