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In systolic hypertension, systolic blood pressure—the higher number in the ideal 120/80 reading—is 140 or
above, and diastolic blood pressure is below 90. Adults with this condition are at increased risk for stroke, heart
attack and heart failure. But according to Chaudhry, many doctors believe that as long as older people’s systolic
pressure is no greater than their age plus 100, no treatment is needed. Chaudhry and colleagues reviewed 36
clinical trials and other studies from 1966 to 2004 and found strong evidence of reduced heart risk with
treatment of systolic hypertension in cases where systolic blood pressure is 160 or above. In cases where
systolic blood pressure is from 140 to 159, wrote Chaudhry and her co-authors, treatment decisions should be
more sensitive to patient preferences and tolerance of therapy.
The 2003 report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High
Blood Pressure stressed that in those aged 60 or older, systolic hypertension is a far more important
cardiovascular risk factor than diastolic hypertension. Despite this recommendation, studies show that poor
control of systolic hypertension is increasing.
The studies analyzed by Chaudry’s team supported the use of diuretics and calcium channel blockers to treat
systolic hypertension.
above, and diastolic blood pressure is below 90. Adults with this condition are at increased risk for stroke, heart
attack and heart failure. But according to Chaudhry, many doctors believe that as long as older people’s systolic
pressure is no greater than their age plus 100, no treatment is needed. Chaudhry and colleagues reviewed 36
clinical trials and other studies from 1966 to 2004 and found strong evidence of reduced heart risk with
treatment of systolic hypertension in cases where systolic blood pressure is 160 or above. In cases where
systolic blood pressure is from 140 to 159, wrote Chaudhry and her co-authors, treatment decisions should be
more sensitive to patient preferences and tolerance of therapy.
The 2003 report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High
Blood Pressure stressed that in those aged 60 or older, systolic hypertension is a far more important
cardiovascular risk factor than diastolic hypertension. Despite this recommendation, studies show that poor
control of systolic hypertension is increasing.
The studies analyzed by Chaudry’s team supported the use of diuretics and calcium channel blockers to treat
systolic hypertension.
| Blood Pressure Facts |
BLOOD PRESSURE FACTS
| Copyright 2008 ::Blood Pressure Information |
Blood Pressure Information
Study Urges Better Blood-Pressure Control
From VA Research Currents Vol. 4, No. 9/Sept. 2004
A review study led by Sarwat I. Chaudhry, MD, a fellow at the West Haven VAMC, backs recent
recommendations from a national committee that urged doctors to be more proactive in treating systolic
hypertension in older adults. The study appeared Sept. 1 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
From VA Research Currents Vol. 4, No. 9/Sept. 2004
A review study led by Sarwat I. Chaudhry, MD, a fellow at the West Haven VAMC, backs recent
recommendations from a national committee that urged doctors to be more proactive in treating systolic
hypertension in older adults. The study appeared Sept. 1 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
According to a new study, home blood pressure testing may prove to be more helpful than
measuring blood pressure at the doctor's office. In a study of 163 patients, it was found that
participants were more willing to measure their blood pressure at home, than to assume the time
and expense to travel to the doctor's office. The study recommended 3 readings in the morning
in 30 second succession and 3 at night before bedtime. Home monitoring seems to be the best
way to measure changes over time and the doctor can then prescribe a more accurate dosage
of medicine.
measuring blood pressure at the doctor's office. In a study of 163 patients, it was found that
participants were more willing to measure their blood pressure at home, than to assume the time
and expense to travel to the doctor's office. The study recommended 3 readings in the morning
in 30 second succession and 3 at night before bedtime. Home monitoring seems to be the best
way to measure changes over time and the doctor can then prescribe a more accurate dosage
of medicine.