Abstract |
A number of symptoms that appear to be associated with high blood pressure ( headache, dizziness, epistaxis, tinnitus, weakness, drowsiness), and are usually regarded as secondary to hypertension or to antihypertensive drug therapy, were studied in 3858 elderly patients, 67.8% of whom were hypertensive. Of the hypertensive patients, 71.2% were under treatment. Headaches and dizziness were significantly more prevalent in the hypertensive than in the normotensive subjects (32.5 versus 27.4% and 41.5 versus 35.3%, respectively; P less than 0.05) and in treated compared with untreated hypertensives (33.3 versus 29.4% and 43.3 versus 37.1%; P less than 0.05). These differences disappeared after statistical correction for 'awareness of hypertension'. In multiple logistic analysis, female sex, age and awareness of hypertension were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of symptoms, whereas hypertension and antihypertensive treatment were not. We conclude that the presence of these symptoms does not constitute a reliable criterion for starting antihypertensive treatment or judging its efficacy.
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Authors | M Di Tullio, C Alli, F Avanzini, G Bettelli, F Colombo, M A Devoto, R Marchioli, G Mariotti, M Radice, E Taioli |
Journal | Journal of hypertension. Supplement : official journal of the International Society of Hypertension
(J Hypertens Suppl)
Vol. 6
Issue 1
Pg. S87-90
(Nov 1988)
ISSN: 0952-1178 [Print] England |
PMID | 3216243
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antihypertensive Agents
(adverse effects)
- Blood Pressure
- Dizziness
(chemically induced, etiology)
- Epistaxis
(etiology)
- Female
- Headache
(chemically induced, etiology)
- Humans
- Hypertension
(complications)
- Muscle Hypotonia
(chemically induced, etiology)
- Sampling Studies
- Sleep Stages
- Tinnitus
(etiology)
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