Antihypertensive therapy for the prevention of stroke in the aging population

Recent evidence concerning strategies for controlling hypertension and reducing morbidity and mortality in the elderly is presented in this review. This evidence is based on current treatment guidelines and randomized clinical trials. The treatment approach to hypertension in the elderly is generally similar to that of younger patients. The achievement of the target blood pressures in the elderly, which is associated with a substantial reduction in risk of stroke, typically requires the use of combinations of antihypertensive agents. The current armamentarium of antihypertensive drugs is adequate to control most elderly hypertensive patients. Bridging the gap between what has been accomplished in clinical trials and what actually occurs in clinical practice remains a major challenge.