Longevity, quality of life, and the elderly hypertensive / Longevity, Quality of Life and the Hypertensive Elderly

RESUMO

Global ageing should be seen as one the greatest triumphs of the humanity. This longevity, however, translated in terms of healthy ageing and quality of life represents a great challenge for XXI century, as it will cause an increase in social and economic demands. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of dealth in developing countries and hypertension is a major changeable risk factor for this outcome. The prevalence of hypertension will rise with and ageing population, unless effective preventive measures are carried out. Short and long term clinical trials have assessed the effect of antihypertensive treatments on the older patient´s quality of life and the evidence show that none of these drugs definitively improves quality of life. Therefore the approach to the treatment of hypertension in elderly people shoul take into account the effects of the drug therapy on the patient´s well being.