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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Blood Pressure Drugs Cut Elderly Death Rate

Study finds surprise major benefit of treating those over 80

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(Newser) – Death rates, heart attacks, and strokes among people over 80 can be cut significantly by common blood pressure medication rarely given to older people, finds a new large-scale study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study found death rates among the elderly could be cut 21% and heart attacks by 64%, reports the Guardian.

Doctors have tended to see high blood pressure as normal in the elderly, and have been reluctant to prescribe more medication to patients who were already on various drugs. "Our results clearly show that many patients aged 80 and over could benefit greatly," said the scientist who led the trial.

A new study shows strokes and heart attacks among the elderly may be cut significantly by drugs for hypertension rarely prescribed for older patients.
A new study shows strokes and heart attacks among the elderly may be cut significantly by drugs for hypertension rarely prescribed for older patients.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Former Navy Dr. Michael Gros has his blood pressure checked at his home. A new study shows strokes and heart attacks among older patients may be cut significantly by drugs for hypertension.
Former Navy Dr. Michael Gros has his blood pressure checked at his home. A new study shows strokes and heart attacks among older patients may be cut significantly by drugs for hypertension.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A new study shows strokes and heart attacks among the elderly may be cut significantly by drugs for hypertension rarely prescribed for older patients.
A new study shows strokes and heart attacks among the elderly may be cut significantly by drugs for hypertension rarely prescribed for older patients.   (Magnum Photos)
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Read the study
New England Journal of Medicine

Editorial: Treating geriatric hypertension
New England Journal of Medicine

Study suggests big benefit to treating hypertension in older people
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Hypertension: Never too old to benefit from treatment
USA Today

Blood pressure drugs save lives in over-80 set
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hypertension • heart attack • eldercare • Imperial College London • Hyvet • strokes • indapamide • perindopril • Help the Aged • National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence • geriatric medicine

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