Understanding Hypertension in Seniors

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant health problem that affects people of all ages. As people get older, their chances of getting high blood pressure increase due to many factors. Understanding hypertension in seniors is essential for proper treatment and possible prevention. Seniors can lean on loved ones and personal care at home aides to help them learn about hypertension and how it might affect them.

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is always higher than usual. Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers: the systolic number, which is at the top, and the diastolic number, which is at the bottom. Hypertension occurs if seniors’ blood pressure is over 130/80 mmHg. It’s important to discuss any concerns about blood pressure with the medical team for a proper diagnosis. Many things can increase blood pressure, including medical conditions, medications, and more.

Risk Factors For Hypertension

Changes that come with getting older: As people get older, their blood vessels get stiffer and less flexible, making it harder for them to grow and contract. This makes it harder for the blood to move through the body, which raises blood pressure.

Lifestyle choices: Seniors can get high blood pressure from unhealthy habits like sitting around all day, eating too much salt, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol. Having a personal companion at home can combat some of these things as they can work with seniors to encourage them to move around and monitor any behaviors that might be detrimental to their health.

Medical problems: Older people often have health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea that make them more likely to get high blood pressure. In addition, seniors can be more likely to get hypertension if someone in their family has it.

Prevention and Treatment

Seniors with high blood pressure can be treated with a mix of lifestyle changes and medicine. Consider the following strategies for possible prevention and treatment:

Healthy diet: Seniors should be encouraged to eat a balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. It is imperative to limit salt intake and stay away from processed foods. Since some healthier foods might be unfamiliar to them, their personal care at home team can educate them on food selection, prep, and cooking.

Regular exercise: As mentioned, regular exercise can help seniors keep a healthy weight, improve their heart health, and lower their blood pressure. There are many things they can do that are perfect for them, such as walking, swimming, or tai chi.

Medications: To control blood pressure, doctors may recommend antihypertensive drugs. Seniors should follow the instructions and talk to their doctor if they have any questions or side effects. Having personal care at home also helps them manage their medications and look for any issues that might arise.

Support and education: Giving seniors information about controlling their high blood pressure gives them the power to take charge of their health.

Knowing why seniors have high blood pressure is important for their overall health, allowing them to take steps to avoid and control the situation. When the support of loved ones and personal care at home aid is added, their success in managing this issue increases.

Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure-and-older-adults
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/hypertension-what-you-need-to-know-as-you-age
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings

If you or an aging loved-one is considering personal care at home in Upper West Side, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. (212) 201-6139