Hypertension in elderly

Black DM, Brand RI, Greenlick M, et al Compliance to treatment for hypertension in elderly patients The SHEP pilot study. Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program. J Gerontol 1987 42 552-557. 

Q5 Yes. Thiazide diuretic drugs are one of the treatments of choice for hypertension in elderly patients. Bendroflumethiazide, 2.5 mg daily, is commonly prescribed for hypertension in the United Kingdom. Although the thiazides have been in use for many years, their mechanism of action is not completely understood. They reduce renal reabsorption of sodium and water and so initially decrease blood volume they also dilate blood vessels and BP falls. However, blood volume may return to normal while the vasodilation and antihypertensive action remains. 

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