What medication should be initiated for isolated systolic hypertension in elderly patients?

Initiating treatment for isolated systolic hypertension in elderly patients is particularly important due to the increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with elevated systolic blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers are considered a first-line medication for this condition because they effectively lower systolic blood pressure and help to reduce the risk of stroke and heart-related issues.

Calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine and diltiazem, work by relaxing the blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in vascular resistance and subsequently lowers blood pressure. They are particularly advantageous in elderly patients because they have a lower incidence of side effects such as orthostatic hypotension compared to some other antihypertensive medications.

While thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors can also be effective in managing hypertension, they may not be as effective as calcium channel blockers for isolated systolic hypertension specifically in the elderly. Additionally, beta-blockers are generally not recommended as a first-line treatment for isolated systolic hypertension unless there are specific indications, such as a history of heart disease.

In summary, the use of calcium channel blockers for isolated systolic hypertension in elderly patients is supported by their efficacy in lowering systolic blood pressure and their favorable side effect profile, making them the preferred choice in this demographic.