Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

BaÅŸkent Ãœniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Kardiyoloji Anabilim Dalı ANKARA Hypertension, as a pathological intercourse, has distinct differences between elderly and younger patients, in terms of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Current concepts about the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension caused review of hypertension in the elderly and update the knowledge about this special situation. Last guidelines published in 2007 by European Society of Cardiology and European Society of Hypertension are valid in Europe and Turkey. Hypertension, as a serious cardiovascular risk factor, should be evaluated by other risk factors and ‘total cardiovascular risk' should be calculated. Treatment of hypertension depends on this parameter. This treatment is case-specific and there are major therapeutic differences between patients, mainly caused by differences of total cardiovascular risk. Correct application of these rules for geriatric population, will improve morbidity and mortality and positively affect quality of life of elderly patients. Keywords : Hypertension, Elderly, Guideline