Understanding Blood Pressure in Older Adults

High blood pressure has long been referred to as the silent killer. This is in part due to high blood pressure having no obvious symptoms. The other part is that one in every three Americans has high blood pressure. Looking just at the older adult population, 70% of adults over 65 have hypertension. Hypertension or high blood pressure puts older adults at risk for heart attack and stroke. 

One in four adults with hypertension has their condition under control. It’s evident that older adults with hypertension need to understand their numbers and make lifestyle choices to keep their numbers within a healthy range. Fortunately, May is National Blood Pressure Education Month. Here are a few facts for older adults to help them better understand blood pressure. 

Blood Pressure Numbers

When you visit your doctor, your blood pressure is one of the vitals a nurse measures and records. The nurse places a cuff on your upper arm. They then inflate the cuff while listening to the blood moving through your artery with a stethoscope. It takes a matter of seconds for the entire procedure. Afterward, the nurse may state your numbers and move on to the next vital. But what do the numbers mean? 

In short, the upper number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heartbeats. This number is called systolic pressure. The lower number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure between heartbeats. Experts agree that lower numbers are better for overall health. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association has recently updated their blood pressure guidelines to eliminate the category of prehypertension. They recommend that older adults aim for a reading low than 130/80 mm Hg. 

Hypertension 

Anything higher may require medication to manage hypertension. Previously, medication wasn’t a treatment option until the blood pressure reading surpassed 150/80 mm Hg. This change aims to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in older adults. If you haven’t seen your doctor recently, take time to discuss your blood pressure numbers and whether medication is appropriate to manage your condition. 

Hypotension

On the opposite end, older adults also need to be aware of low blood pressure or hypotension. A reading lower than 90/60 mm Hg is generally considered to be too low. Hypotension can affect an older adult’s safety, putting them at risk for dizziness or fainting, which can cause falls. 

Everyone’s blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. It’s generally lower when resting and elevated when active or experiencing stress. 

Ways to Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure 

By making a few simple lifestyle changes, healthy blood pressure is achievable for many older adults. 
Start by losing excessive weight. Follow a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt and avoid drinking too much alcohol. Exercise for at least 150 minutes each week and try to live as actively as possible. Quit smoking and learn stress-management techniques, such as guided relaxation or deep breathing. If your doctor prescribes medication to help manage hypertension, take it as prescribed in addition to making healthier lifestyle choices. 

If you are an older adult living with hypertension, let Visiting Angels Oshkosh help you take an active role in lowering your numbers. We provide a comprehensive approach to senior home care that includes care beyond bathing and toileting. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with simple lifestyle changes, such as escorting you on a walk to increase your physical activity or assisting with meal planning and preparation so that you can enjoy healthy, balanced meals. Let us become a part of your plan to lower your blood pressure. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-312-7000.