Because the medications are effective, it is unnecessary for so many people to have uncontrolled high blood pressure. Hypertension is a silent killer because it is asymptomatic. It is often difficult to convince a patient to take medication for a problem for which they feel no symptoms. Furthermore, antihypertensive medications can cause side effects, making a patient feel worse after taking the medications. For this reason, it is important for patients to understand the damaging health repercussions of untreated hypertension.
Elderly patients are at even greater risk of hypertension-induced stroke.
Whatever your age, your hypertension should be kept under control to prevent serious health complications. Other studies show a similar trend among men. It's particularly important for older people to control their blood pressure, the researchers write. Hypertension increases the risk of having a stroke, which also increases with age. Women have lower rates of hypertension than men, but only until age 55.