Preliminary results from the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) suggest that trial participants, who were in their 80s, had a lower risk of dying when they were treated with antihypertensive medications. "High blood pressure medication has been known to reduce the rate of stroke, but the HYVET study suggests that both incidence of stroke and survival rate were improved. These data, although not yet published, confirm our belief that high blood pressure should be treated regardless of age," says Gary Francis, MD, head of the Section of Clinical Cardiology at Cleveland Clinic and editor-in-chief of Heart Advisor.
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber.
Sign in