Arterial hypertension

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is the most frequent cardiovascular disease and is one of the very important age-related diseases. Elderly people (65+ years) represent the most rapidly growing population cohort in industrialized countries. This development is termed demographic revolution, and it is obvious that it will dramatically increase the prevalence of this disease. In 70+-year-old patients, the prevalence of arterial (in particular systolic hypertension >140 mmHg) hypertension is at 70% compared to only 30-50% in younger adults, and it is still on the rise (Plouin et al. 2006). The deleterious effects of hypertension are well known-stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, renal failure-all of which massively contribute to morbidity and mortality of aging societies. Of all deaths, 13%, in countries with high income even 18%, are attributable to hypertension (Lawes et al. 2008). In 2001, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to hypertension were most frequent in countries with high income in women aged 60+ years and in men aged 70+ years (Fig. 1).