Table 2.

Initial investigations recommended for newly-presenting elderly hypertensive patients

Plasma electrolyte concentrations

Plasma creatinine concentration

Plasma uric acid concentration

Plasma renin activity

Plasma aldosterone concentration

Plasma lipids

Urine microscopy

24-hour urinary aldosterone excretion*

24-hour urinary catecholamine excretion*

Renal ultrasound

Computed tomography scan of renal arteries*

Overnight oximetry*

Echocardiography

^*Note: These tests are not needed in all patients.