Abstract 233: Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure Differences in Elderly versus Young Patients [Session Title: Poster Session PM]

Conclusion: Elderly patients remain at very elevated risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular events, with mounting healthcare costs. Efforts to improve cardiac risk factors in this vulnerable group are of paramount importance. Higher SBP and PP in the elderly compared to young patients likely reflects increased arterial stiffness, resulting in a wider pulse pressures. Lack of compliance with medications is unlikely since these patients had insurance and their total cholesterol and LDL levels were adequately controlled with medications, not significantly different compared to young patients. White-coat-hypertension is another potential explanation in the elderly. A trend towards higher use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) due to more prevalent arthritis in the elderly may have contributed to the blood pressure difference. Whether prescribing non-NSAID medications would improve compliance with exercise, weight loss, and blood pressure control in elderly patients is subject of further studies.
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Session Title: Poster Session PM Source Type: research