Conclusions
BP is an important risk factor that should be identified
and addressed in older people to reduce their risk of a
cardiovascular event. Prescribers should be aware of
the risk of both over- and under-treatment of high BP.
Management decisions should take into account the
specific challenges, particularly in the very elderly when
less aggressive treatment thresholds apply. Lifestyle advice
should be offered to all patients and the NICE (2011)
treatment algorithm used to guide drug choice. Patients
must be appropriately monitored throughout therapy to
reduce the risks of adverse outcomes; special care should
be taken to avoid precipitating orthostatic hypotension,
identify and manage drug interactions, and address
adverse drug reactions should they occur during therapy