Comparing Health-Related Indicators of Very Old Hypertensives and Nonhypertensives in an HMO

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if very old hypertensives (85 years of age and over) were sicker and in poorer health than very old nonhypertensives. The authors compared the frequency of comorbidities, medical care and drug use, self-reported functional and health status, and health-related behaviors of very old hypertensive and nonhypertensive health maintenance organization (HMO) enrollees. Very old male hypertensives were less healthy than very old male nonhypertensives, female hypertensives, and nonhypertensives. In contrast, very old female hypertensives were healthy or healthier than very old female nonhypertensives. Hypertension may be a more serious condition among very old males than very old females, or treatment may be more efficacious (or prevalent) for very old female hypertensives. These relationships require further study to determine if treatment guidelines should differ by sex among very old hypertensives.