Introduction
The term “senior” covers a range of age groups, including people aged 65 years and older. Senior citizens are commonly studied in geriatric medicine. A particularly important study is performed when a senior citizen has a change in their blood pressure readings that is not explained by any known physical condition or medical history. This can be an indication that the person has developed Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and it should lead to an urgent visit with the doctor to make sure nothing more serious is going on.
Blood pressure is the measure of how much blood is pumping through your body. In the United States, 120-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic is a healthy range for readings for adults over 18. A reading above those numbers could indicate high blood pressure or prehypertension—a condition in which high blood pressure could lead to hypertension and increase your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other diseases.silicone sex toys nfl jersey for sale human hair wigs custom jersey maker hockey nike air jordan 4 best nfl jerseys wholesale sex toys best sex toys for couples nike air jordan 4 nike air jordan womens high top custom football jersey custom wigs cheap nfl jerseys cheap lace front wigs online adult sex toys
There Are Two Types Of Blood Pressure Readings:
1. Systolic
This is the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts and puts pressure on the walls of your arteries. The systolic pressure is usually measured with a sphygmomanometer. It measures the highest point in one full heartbeat.
2. Diastolic
This is the pressure that remains in your arteries after your heart has stopped beating—during periods of rest between beats. This is also measured with a sphygmomanometer.
A healthy adult’s ideal blood pressure should be no higher than 120/80 and ideally should be closer to 100/60 for systolic and diastolic, respectively.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the measure of how hard your pulse is beating, or how hard your heart is working. Your pulse and other things that affect it can be measured with a stethoscope and will be noted on your chart. The blood pressure reading is usually listed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) on the monitor above your chart.
Why Do I Need To Monitor My Blood Pressure?
You should monitor your blood pressure because it can help you control high blood pressure. If you want to keep your blood pressure under control, you’ll need to check it regularly because it may change from day to day.
What Are The New Blood Pressure Guidelines For Seniors?
Seniors with high blood pressure have to pay attention to their blood pressure readings at least three times a week. In general, if your systolic pressure is too high, go see your doctor. If it is 120/80 or higher, you should probably see your doctor for further testing and evaluation.
What Blood Pressure Numbers Do I Need To Be Concerned About?
If you are over the age of 62 and have heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, or other serious medical condition, consult with your doctor about getting an examination that will help determine what steps you should take to reduce your risk of these problems in the future.
What Is A Good Blood Pressure Target For Elders?
An ideal blood pressure for a healthy, non-smoking, non-diabetic older person would be no higher than 120/80 and ideally should be closer to 100/60. As you age, your blood vessels will get stiffer and it is not uncommon for hypertension to develop at a much lower systolic pressure.
My blood pressure is still too high, what can I do?
If you are less than 10 years from being eligible for Medicare coverage, see your doctor about controlling your high blood pressure. Learning ways to control your blood pressure may help keep you from gaining the additional weight of potential kidney disease or heart attack.
Why Does Blood Pressure Increase With Age?
Your blood vessels are made up of tissue that is similar to the elastic in your underwear. When you get older, this tissue starts to lose its elasticity. Blood pressure readings in older adults tend to be higher due to elevated levels of a hormone called ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide). This hormone increases with age and interferes with the relaxation ability of your arteries and arterioles as well as increasing your heart rate.
What Should My Blood Pressure Be When Resting?
Normal blood pressure while at rest is considered to be 100/60 mm Hg or lower. Blood pressure tends to be higher during exercise than at rest, but it should never exceed 180/110 mm Hg.
How Can I Control My Blood Pressure?
One of the best ways to control blood pressure is with medication. If you take medication for hypertension, you will have to monitor your blood pressure at least three times a week. See the table in Chapter 4 for more information about controlling your blood pressure and what your readings should be.
What Should I Do If My Reading Is Irregular?
If you notice any irregularities in your readings, see one of your doctors as soon as possible. If you have high readings that come up often and are being treated with a diuretic or ACE inhibitor, try cutting down on salt and caffeine intake to see if this helps lower your readings. Diuretics and ACE inhibitors lose their effectiveness after time or may not be appropriate for you.
New Blood Pressure Standards For Seniors
For Americans over the age of 60, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend target blood pressures for adults in three different categories: A, B, and C. The table below shows the recommended blood pressure levels for seniors by category.
Low Blood Pressure In Seniors
For individuals over the age of 60, it is safe to lower their blood pressure by 15/10 mm Hg with medications. This is called a low-normal blood pressure. The best chance at avoiding heart attack, stroke, or early kidney disease when in this group is to aim for a blood pressure reading between 85/60 and 95/65.
If you are going to be admitted to a hospital, your doctor may ask you what your goal blood pressure should be. If you are 68 or older and have high readings that come up often and have been treated with a diuretic or ACE inhibitor, try cutting down on salt and caffeine intake to see if this lowers your readings.
Conclusion
The recommended blood pressure levels for elderly patients vary depending on what type of patient they are, but all seniors should be able to enjoy a healthy life by following their doctors’ recommendations regarding blood pressure control and medication. Blood pressure can be dangerous for anyone. Older adults, especially those with dementia, could benefit from being aware of the dangers of being at risk for high blood pressure and how high readings can lead to health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.