The effect of antihypertensive treatment on the quality of later years.

There is now a considerable body of evidence demonstrating the benefit of pharmacological therapy in reducing cardiovascular risk in elderly hypertensive patients. With the high prevalence of hypertension that exists in the elderly, the impact of the widespread use of antihypertensive treatment on the quality of life of older individuals requires consideration. Quality of life is a difficult concept to define and thus to measure scientifically. It is most commonly measured in clinical trials using questionnaire-based instruments designed to assess the subjects' perception of their own health and the degree of well-being and satisfaction in various health-related areas of their lives. Nonpharmacological methods of blood pressure reduction are generally regarded as being neutral or beneficial in their effects on quality of life, and deserve prolonged evaluation in elderly patients before introducing pharmacological therapy. The many antihypertensive drug treatments now available have varying impact on quality of life, which should be taken into account when developing a rational approach to antihypertensive intervention in the elderly patient.