Hypertension in the elderly: what price therapy?

Hypertension is commonly diagnosed in the elderly and antihypertensive therapy initiated. The questions of "who are the elderly" and "what is hypertension in older patients" are not always clearly understood. Antihypertensive therapy must take into account these questions and the results of drug trials (only a few of which have been directed at elderly subjects), as well as the relative benefits, risks, and costs of the various antihypertensive medications available at present for use in this age group.