Comprehensive assessment and management of hypertension in elderly patients: Addressing frailty and target organ damage.

Abstract

The lifetime risk of incident hypertension is approximately 90%. Hypertension is the most important cardiovascular risk factor, and is readily modifiable. Hypertension can cause end-organ damage and consequently contribute to multiple comorbidities and complexity of treatment for the elderly. Elderly people have reduced physiological and psychological capacities, increased vulnerability to various stresses, and the adverse effects of frailty. When treating hypertension in the elderly, complete and systemic assessments should be performed before starting any medication. Interventions should always consider the balance between their advantages and potential drawbacks. In this review, we examined the existing evidence regarding damage to vital organs and the state of frailty in elderly patients with hypertension.