Table 1. Pharmacological treatment recommendations for hypertension in older patients.

Initiate monotherapy in patients with grade I hypertension, age > 80 years or frail. In frail patients requiring dual therapy, start at low doses.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are first-line drugs.

Look for or rule out possible postural hypotension.

Avoid diuretics and alpha-blockers because of possible adverse effects (falls).

Monitor renal function.

Close monitoring, to minimise adverse effects, tolerance problems and increase adherence to treatment.[23]