Overcoming barriers to blood pressure control in the elderly.

Given the evidence that treating hypertension reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with it, and given the demonstrated effectiveness of the antihypertensive agents available, the number of inadequately controlled patients is disturbing. Failed or inadequate antihypertensive therapy may be due to aging-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, drug interactions, poor patient compliance, or poor communication between physician and patient. By understanding the reasons for therapeutic failure in hypertension, the primary care physician is in a position to remedy the problem. It is the uncommon patient whose blood pressure can not be controlled if the doctor is giving proper advice which the patient then follows.