Guidelines for treating hypertension in the elderly.

The incidence of hypertension increases with ageing, and one-third of the elderly population is affected. The role of hypertension as a cardiovascular risk factor has been confirmed in the elderly by the incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction. Effective treatment of hypertension significantly reduces the risk of associated complications: cardiovascular death, congestive heart failure and stroke. There are numerous secondary effects of antihypertensive treatment and the prescription and monitoring of treatment should take into account potential effects specific to elderly patients.