Adult-Gerontology CNS Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

Isolated systolic hypertension treatment is critical for reducing the risk of heart disease in the elderly due to the unique physiological changes that occur with aging. As people age, the arteries often become stiffer and less elastic, which can lead to an increase in systolic blood pressure while diastolic pressure may remain normal or even decrease. This results in a condition known as isolated systolic hypertension, where the systolic reading (the top number) is elevated while the diastolic reading (the bottom number) is within or below normal ranges.

Research has shown that isolated systolic hypertension is a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in older adults. Managing this condition effectively can help lower the risk of heart disease, strokes, and other complications associated with high blood pressure. Certain antihypertensive medications, especially those that are effective at reducing systolic pressure, are typically utilized to treat this condition, thus enhancing cardiovascular outcomes in this population.

Treatment for diastolic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, or secondary hypertension, while important, does not address the particular vulnerabilities associated with isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly population. Thus, focusing on isolated systolic hypertension is essential for improving heart health and overall well-being in older adults.