and mortality in older patients with elevated systolic or diastolic
blood pressures. This benefit appears to persist in patients older
than 80 years, but less than one third of older patients have
adequate blood pressure control. Systolic blood pressure is the
most important predictor of cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure
measurement in older persons should include an evaluation
for orthostatic hypotension. Low-dose thiazide diuretics remain
first-line therapy for older patients. Beta blockers, angiotensinconverting
enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and
calcium channel blockers are second-line medications that should
be selected based on comorbidities and risk factors. (Am Fam
Physician 2005;71:469-76. Copyright© 2005 American Academy
of Family Physicians.)