You can have high blood pressure or hypertension, and still, feel fine. That's because high blood pressure often doesn't cause signs of illness that a person can see or feel. But high blood pressure, sometimes called "the silent killer," is very common in older people and is a very serious health problem. If high blood pressure is not controlled through lifestyle changes and medications, it can lead to strokes, heart disease, eye problems, kidney failure, and other health problems. High blood pressure can also cause breathing difficulties when a person does light physical activity or exercise.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts against the artery walls. When the doctor measures blood pressure, the result is recorded with two numbers. The first number, called the systolic blood pressure, is the pressure caused when the heart contracts and pushes blood out. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure that occurs when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. The blood pressure measurement result is usually expressed by placing the systolic blood pressure number over the diastolic blood pressure number, eg 138/72. Normal blood pressure for adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80. This is indicated as 120/80.
Reduce your salt intake. As you age, your body and blood pressure become more sensitive to salt (sodium), so it may be necessary to determine how much salt is in your diet. Most of the salt comes from processed foods (for example, soups and baked goods). A low-salt diet, such as the DASH diet, can help lower blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about how to eat less salt.
Drink less alcohol. Drinking alcohol can affect blood pressure. Men should have no more than two drinks a day and women only one drink to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. If you smoke, quit. It is never too late to quit smoking and the health benefits of quitting can be seen at any age.
Get a good night's sleep. Tell your doctor if you have been told that you snore or sound like you stop breathing at times when you sleep. This can be a sign of a problem called sleep apnea. Getting treatment for sleep apnea and getting a good night's sleep can help lower your blood pressure.
Manage stress. Relaxing and properly coping with problems can help lower your blood pressure.
If these lifestyle changes do not lower your blood pressure to a safe level, your doctor will also prescribe medication. You can try several types or combinations of drugs before you find a plan that works best for you. Medicines can control your blood pressure, but they cannot cure it. You will probably have to take medicine for the rest of your life. Plan with your doctor how to manage your blood pressure.
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Basics about high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a serious condition because it can cause serious health problems. Make sure you know what your blood pressure should measure, and remember:
High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it is a serious condition. Consult a doctor to treat it.
You can lower your blood pressure by changing your daily habits and, if necessary, taking medicine.
If you take a medicine for high blood pressure, making some lifestyle changes can help lower the dose you need.
If you take a medicine for high blood pressure and your low blood pressure, it means that the medicine and your lifestyle changes are working. If another doctor asks if you have high blood pressure, the answer is: "Yes, but it is being treated."
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. Be sure to mention over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements. These can affect blood pressure. They can also change how well your blood pressure medications work. Blood pressure pills should be taken at the same time each day. For example, take your medicine in the morning with breakfast or in the evening after brushing your teeth. If you forget to take a dose of the medicine, do not double the dose the next day.
Do not take more of the blood pressure medicine than is prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Don't skip a day or take only half a pill. Remember to refill your medicine before you run out of pills. If you don't have enough money to pay for your medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Before having surgery, ask your doctor if you should take your blood pressure medicine that day.
Get up slowly when you have been sitting or lying down and stand for a few moments before starting to walk. This allows blood pressure to adjust before you start walking to prevent dizziness, fainting, or a fall.
As you age, high blood pressure, especially isolated systolic hypertension, is more common and can increase your risk of serious health problems. Treatment, especially if you have other medical conditions, requires ongoing evaluation and discussions with your doctor to achieve the best balance between reducing risks and maintaining a good quality of life.
If your doctor asks you to take your blood pressure at home, consider the following:
There are many devices on sale for monitoring blood pressure in the home. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist which monitor you need and how to use it. Take the monitor to your doctor's office to check and make sure it is working properly.
Avoid smoking, exercising, and consuming caffeine 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
Make sure you are sitting with your feet flat on the floor and not crossing them, and that your back is leaning against something.
Relax quietly for 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
Keep a list of the numbers obtained when your blood pressure was measured, the time the blood pressure was measured, and when the blood pressure medicine was taken (if you take medicine). Share this information with your doctor, physician assistant, or nurse.
Do I have high blood pressure?
One of the reasons to see your doctor regularly is to have your blood pressure checked. Routine blood pressure checks will help identify an early rise in blood pressure even if you feel fine. If there is an indication that your blood pressure is high in two or more check-ups, your doctor may ask you to measure your blood pressure at home at different times of the day. If your blood pressure remains high, even when you are relaxed, your doctor may suggest exercise, changes to your diet, and most likely medications.
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What is considered high blood pressure in older adults?
Recent updates to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines changed the definition of high blood pressure or hypertension for most people. Now high blood pressure is generally defined as 130 or more for the first number, or 80 or more for the second number (previously the numbers were 140/90). However, older adults have important considerations when deciding whether to begin treatment for high blood pressure, including other health conditions and general physical conditions. If your blood pressure is above 130/80, your doctor will evaluate your health to determine what treatment is necessary to balance the risks and benefits in your particular situation.
What if only the first blood pressure is high?
In older people, often the first number (systolic) is 130 or higher, but the second number (diastolic) is less than 80. This problem is called isolated systolic hypertension, which is due to age-related stiffening of the main arteries. It is the most common form of high blood pressure in older people and can result in serious health problems (stroke, heart disease, eye problems, and kidney failure) as well as breathing difficulties when a person does light physical activities, dizziness when stands up very fast and falls. Isolated systolic hypertension is treated in the same way as ordinary high blood pressure (130 or higher for the first number or 80 or higher for the second number), but treatment may require more than one type of medication to treat. blood pressure. If your doctor determines that your systolic pressure is above the normal level for your age, ask how you can lower it.
What if my blood pressure is low?
If your blood pressure is less than 90/60, you suffer from low blood pressure or hypotension. You may feel faint, weak, dizzy, or even like you are going to pass out. Low blood pressure can be caused by not drinking enough fluids (dehydration), blood loss, some medical conditions, or too much medicine.
Some of the risks associated with high blood pressure cannot be changed
Anyone can develop high blood pressure. However, some people are more likely to develop it due to factors that they cannot change. These factors are Age. The chance of having high blood pressure increases as a person ages.
Gender. Before age 55, men are more likely to have high blood pressure. Women are more likely to have high blood pressure after menopause. Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in some families. Race. African Americans are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure.
How can I control my blood pressure?
High blood pressure is very common in older people. The vascular system changes as people age. The arteries harden so that the blood pressure rises. This is true even for people who have habits that benefit heart health. The good news is that blood pressure can be controlled in most people.
There are many lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of high blood pressure:
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure. Ask your doctor if you need to lose weight.
You must do exercise all day. Moderate exercise can lower your risk of high blood pressure. Set some goals to exercise safely and gradually get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day on most days of the week. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan if you have health problems that are not being treated.
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Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure.
