Blood Pressure Drugs Safe in Older Adults

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Because hpertension in older adults is more difficult to treat, physicians often are hesitant to prescribe blood pressure-lowering medications in adults over 80.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have released new recommendations regarding which medications are safest and most effective for older adults, as well as guidance in identifying other non-drug treatments.
Research has found that blood pressure drugs are safer in this age group than previously thought.

According to the guidelines, appropriate blood pressure drugs in very elderly adults are ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics and calcium channel blockers. Doctors prescribing antihypertensive drugs for this age group should be sure to start at the lowest dose possible, experts say.

Check with your physician.