You’re Never Too Old to Start Treatment for Hypertension

Findings from a randomized trial suggest that antihypertensive therapy lowers risk not only for stroke, but also for death from any cause.

Controversy surrounds the role of antihypertensive therapy in adults aged 80 years or older. Although some studies have shown reductions in stroke with treatment, others have bolstered concerns about increased mortality in older individuals taking antihypertensive medications. The Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) was designed to determine the relative benefits and risks of antihypertensive treatment in persons aged 80 years or older. Investigators in 13 countries randomized 3845 participants with systolic hypertension (>160 mm Hg) aged 80 years or older to receive indapamide (sustained release, 1.5 mg) or placebo, titrating with perindopril (2 mg or 4 mg) or placebo as necessary to achieve a target blood pressure of 150/80 mm …

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

You’re Never Too Old to Start Treatment for Hypertension

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Reviewing Author