Hypertension in the elderly

The elderly are the most rapidly growing population group in the world.Data collected over a 30-year period have demonstrated the increasing prevalence of hypertension with age.The risk of coronary artery disease,stroke,congestive heart disease,chronic kidney insufficiency and dementia is also increased in this subgroup of hypertensives.Hypertension in the elderly patients represents a management dilemma to cardiovascular specialists and other practioners.During the last years and before the findings of the Systolic Hypertension in Europe Trial were published,the general medical opinion considered not to decrease blood pressure values similarly to other younger patients,in order to avoid possible ischemic events and poor oxygenation of the organs(brain,heart,kidney).The aim of this review article is to highlight the importance of treating hypertension in aged population in order to improve their quality of life and lower the incidence of the cardiovascular complications.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection:A review of diagnostic methods and management strategies

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection(SCAD)is a rare non-atherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndromes defined as non-iatrogenic,non-traumatic separation of the coronary artery wall.The most common profile is a middle-aged woman between 44 and 53 years with few cardiovascular risk factors.SCAD is frequently linked with predisposing factors,such as postpartum,fibromuscular dysplasia or other vasculopathies,connective tissue disease and hormonal therapy,and it is often triggered by intense physical or emotional stress,sympathomimetic drugs,childbirth and activities increasing shear stress of the coronary artery walls.Patients with SCAD usually present at the emergency department with chest discomfort,chest pain,and rapid heartbeat or fluttery.During the last decades,the most common problem of SCAD was the lack of awareness about this condition which has led to significant underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis.However,modern imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography,intravascular ultrasound,coronary angiography or magnetic resonance imaging have contributed to the early diagnosis of the disease.Treatment of SCAD remains controversial,especially during the last years,where invasive techniques are being used more often and in more emergent cardiac syndromes.Although conservative treatment combining aspirin and betablocker remains the recommended strategy in most cases,revascularization could also be suggested as a method of treatment in specific indications,but with a higher risk of complications.The prognosis of SCAD is usually good and long-term mortality seems to be low in these patients.Follow-up should be performed on a regular basis.