Screening and management of hypertension in elderly

Abstract The prevalence of hypertension in elderly is extremely high. Because of the burden of ageing of population, this condition considered as the most important risk factor for mortality is supposed to increase. There are some specific pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of hypertension in elderly. The definition of hypertension is the same in all age groups, however the phenotype is different in the elderly: white coat effect, non-dipping pattern, orthostatic hypotension, dysautonomia and pseudohypertension. The hallmark of hypertension in the elderly is pure systolic hypertension and an increased variability of blood pressure. The diagnosis is often difficult to establish. The elderly can be overtreated with undesirable effects of falls or hypoperfusion, particularly when there is frailty, or polymedication.