Senior Living News

What Is Blood Pressure?

Your blood pressure measures how much force your blood exerts on your artery walls. Blood pressure consists of two numbers. You'll often see it described as one number over the other number, such as 120/80. The top number is systolic blood pressure, which is the force on the artery walls when your heart beats, and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure, or the force on the artery walls between beats.

High blood pressure, called hypertension, is the main concern as you get older. Your numbers typically increase with age because your arteries become stiffer. High blood pressure is often something you can prevent or at least slow with lifestyle choices that keep your heart healthy.  

What's a Normal Blood Pressure Reading for Seniors?

To be in the normal range, both your systolic and diastolic numbers need to be under a certain number. The following numbers give you an idea of the generally accepted ranges for different levels of blood pressure concern:

• Normal blood pressure: Systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80
• Elevated blood pressure: Systolic between 120 and 129 and diastolic less than 80
• High stage 1: Systolic between 130 and 139 or diastolic between 80 and 89
• High stage 2: Systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher
• Hypertensive crisis: Systolic higher than 180 and/or diastolic higher than 120

If your blood pressure readings consistently fall outside the normal range, continue making heart-healthy choices. Consistently elevated blood pressure readings mean there's a good chance you'll develop high blood pressure. Think of it as a warning to start making heart-healthy choices.

By the time you reach the first stage of high blood pressure, your doctor will likely tell you to make lifestyle changes and might prescribe medication based on your risk factors. Stage 2 usually means you'll be prescribed medication and told to make lifestyle changes. If you're in hypertensive crisis, seek medical attention. You should call 911 immediately if your blood pressure is in this range and you have other concerning systems, such as chest pain, numbness, shortness of breath or trouble speaking. If you don't have those symptoms, you can wait 5 minutes and check your blood pressure again before seeking medical attention.

What Affects Your Blood Pressure?

Several factors can impact your blood pressure. Contributing factors that can increase your risk of hypertension include:

• Age. As you get older, your blood pressure tends to increase because of artery stiffening. The most common change is a higher systolic number.
• Genetics. You could be more prone to high blood pressure if it runs in your family.
• Medical conditions. Certain health conditions, including diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid issues and kidney disease, could cause hypertension.
• Race. High blood pressure is more common in African American people and often starts at an earlier age.
• Lifestyle. Your exercise level, smoking status, diet, alcohol consumption and stress levels all contribute to blood pressure.
• Weight. Being overweight or obese can cause blood vessel changes, which could increase your risk of hypertension.

Why High Blood Pressure Is Dangerous

If your blood pressure is consistently high, it can cause damage and health issues in various parts of your body. One common complication is cardiovascular disease, which can include stroke. You might experience vascular dementia, which affects memory and thinking due to changes in the blood vessels in the brain. Some people also experience eye issues or kidney problems.

How Seniors Can Deal With High Blood Pressure

It's important to work with your medical provider if you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Always follow your provider's recommendations and prescribed treatments. If you have concerns about what they recommend, seek a second opinion.

Lifestyle changes and blood pressure medication are the two main ways of dealing with hypertension. Your doctor can give you personalized recommendations based on your situation. Here are some changes you can make that help.

• Start moving: Regular exercise can help prevent and control high blood pressure.
• Change your diet: Dietary changes, including reducing your sodium intake and cutting back on alcohol, may help.
• Lower your weight: Exercise and dietary changes should naturally help you lose weight, which can help with blood pressure.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use can increase blood pressure, so find help to kick the habit.
• Lower your stress: Finding ways to relax and eliminate stressors can help with blood pressure.
• Take medications as prescribed: If your doctor prescribes blood pressure medication, take it daily as detailed on the prescription label to ensure it's effective.

At The Gardens at Barry Road, we perform regular health assessments and monitor chronic conditions. With pharmacy services and medication management, we can help with blood pressure medications prescribed to residents. We also have exercise programs available to support your heart-healthy lifestyle.

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