Age-related bias in the management of XXXX : a national survey of physicians' opinions on @entity101 in elderly adults.

@entity1 @entity101 @entity972
BACKGROUND: This study surveyed opinions and self-reported practices of physicians involved in the care of elderly individuals regarding geriatric @entity101 management and included a national random sample (n = 1060) of health care professionals in the United States. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional self-conducted survey using a questionnaire developed to assess the opinions related to blood pressure (BP) and aging, BP selection, BP target, lifestyle modifications, and first-line drug choice. We also tested the impact of the @entity1 's age on the respondents' answers. A national random sample (n = 1060) of health care professionals in the United States was selected. RESULTS: We received 412 (39%) questionnaires. Thirty-five percent considered that the increase in BP with age is a normal process of aging, and 25% considered treating @entity101 in an 85-year-old @entity1 to have more risks than benefits. Sixty-nine percent considered systolic blood pressure to be the most important pressure. Respondents were more likely to start antihypertensive therapy at a lower BP and target a lower BP in 65-year-old @entity1 compared with 85-year-old @entity1 (p <.001). Respondents were more likely to recommend lifestyle modifications in 65-year-old @entity1 compared with 85-year-old @entity1 (p <.001). Only 13-17% recommend higher @entity972 consumption. Diuretics (p =.032) and beta-blockers (p =.005), but not other antihypertensives, are less likely to be used as first-line drugs by respondents in the very old. CONCLUSIONS: Health care professionals' understanding of BP changes with aging, BP selection and BP target levels, lifestyle modification counseling (especially concerning @entity972 consumption), and drug selection deviates in some aspects from the national recommendations especially in the very old. Improving these opinions could have a significant impact on the control rates of geriatric @entity101 .
