Elderly hypertensives over 80 years of age

• NICE have stated that a clinician should offer patients over 80 years of age the same treatment as other patients over 55, taking account of any comorbidity and their existing burden of drug use
• the guidance notes that patients over 80 years of age are poorly represented in clinical trials and the effectiveness of treatment in this group is less certain. However, it is reasonable to assume that older patients will receive worthwhile benefits from drug treatment, particularly in terms of reduced risk of stroke.

Reference

1. NICE (June 2006). Management of hypertension in adults in primary care