Does treatment of new-onset hypertension reduce risk of stroke in the elderly?
An 83-year-old woman with a known history of osteoporosis presents to your clinic for a yearly evaluation and renewal of her prescription for alendronate (Fosamax). She had been fairly healthy and lives independently, remaining active in the community with various volunteer activities. At a recent health fair, a nurse measured her BP and said it was 180/94 mm Hg. This alarmed the patient because she had never been treated for hypertension in the past. She had no known history of cardiovascular problems; she denied headaches, dizziness, or visual disturbances. Examination findings were height, 5 ft 3 in with a slightly kyphotic posture; weight, 120 lb; BP, 170/90 mm Hg; pulse, 76 beats per minute; respirations, 14 breaths per minute. Cardiac auscultation revealed a regular rate and rhythm with no murmurs. Funduscopic examination revealed no vascular abnormalities. The well-known standard of care for newonset hypertension in adults is antihypertensive therapy; however, you question wheth
