Analysis of antihypertensive drugs used for elderly hypertensive patients in Beijing

AIM: To analyze the trend of antihypertensive drugs used for elderly hypertensive patients in Beijing. METHODS: A group of 2 832, 1 828 and 2 277 elderly residents aged ≥60 in Beijing was chosen for this study in the years 2000, 2004 and 2007, respectively, by well-established statistical sampling techniques such as cluster, stratification and random selection, and the trend of antihypertensive drugs used for elderly hypertensive patients was analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of CCB, ACEI, diuretics and β-RB increased, whereas that of reserpine decreased. CONCLUSION: The aim of hypertension treatment is not only to lower blood pressure but also to decrease complications so as to improve the quality of life.