Abstract

GARCIA BARRETO, David et al. High blood pressure in third age. Rev cubana med [online]. 2009, vol.48, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-302X.

From the fifth or sixth decades of life, high blood pressure adopts ways and is due to different causes to that of child or to that of young adult. In this case, systolic arterial pressure increases (> 140 mmHg), and the diastolic one remains or decreases (< 90 mmHg), and differential pressure increases. The cause is conduction artery stiffness by atherosclerosis as well as the action of some hormones including: adrenaline, noradrenaline, agiotensin II, and aldosterone on the arterial medium wall. Diagnosis is made verifying presence of an isolated systolic high blood pressure in patients aged over 50. In youngest, in addition to high systolic pressure with a normal or low diastolic pressure, it is advisable measurement of others indicators of aortic stiffness. Systolic pressure in third age may to be associated with: left ventricular and arterial hypertrophy, a relaxation decrease of cardiac and coronary walls, myocardial ischemia, nephroesclerosis, cognitive decline or even dementia. Treatment requires special cares and must to adjust to the frequent morbidity of old age. The more effective antihypertensive groups according to randomized assays include: agiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, agiotensin II blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and calcium blockers. Nitrates and diuretic agents have been used to reduce systolic pressure, especially when there is an aortic valvular regurgitation. Decrease of systolic pressure to result in a delay or an arrest of cardiovascular complications, of cognitive decline, and dementia in third age patients.

Keywords : High blood pressure; third age; treatment..

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