Some medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, and thyroid problems, can cause high blood pressure. Some people have a greater chance of having it because of things they can't change. These are:. High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, but routine checks of your blood pressure will help detect increasing levels.
If your blood pressure reading is high at two or more check-ups, the doctor may also ask you to measure your blood pressure at home. Your doctor may work with you to find a blood pressure target that is best for your well-being and may suggest exercise , changes in your diet , and medications. You can often lower your blood pressure by changing your day-to-day habits and by taking medication if needed. Treatment , especially if you have other medical conditions such as diabetes , requires ongoing evaluation and discussions with your doctor.
In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure to a safe level. Isolated systolic hypertension, the most common form of high blood pressure in older adults, is treated in the same way as regular high blood pressure but may require more than one type of blood pressure medication. You may try several kinds or combinations of medications before finding a plan that works best for you.
Medication can control your blood pressure, but it can't cure it. If your doctor starts you on medication for high blood pressure, you may need to take it long-term.
Untreated high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious health problems. If your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure, remember:. By Angelike Gaunt , content strategist Your blood pressure is the barometer of your overall circulatory health. Simple lifestyle changes can help: Exercise. National guidelines recommend adults of all ages engage in at least minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
If mobility or health conditions are a problem, older adults should try to be as physically active as possible. Lose weight. If your loved one is overweight, every 2 pounds lost can help reduce blood pressure by 1 mm Hg.
Eat a heart-healthy diet low in salt. The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. It was designed specifically to help lower blood pressure.
Try to limit sodium to no more than 2, milligrams per day. Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If your loved one chooses to drink alcoholic drinks, limit it to no more than one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is most appropriate. Taking blood pressure medication is very common.
There are many different types available, including diuretics, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. Seniors may need to try a few medications as advised by their doctors , alone or in combination, to find what works best for them. What Causes Low Blood Pressure in the Elderly Low blood pressure in the elderly is less common than high blood pressure and is usually only considered a problem if it causes symptoms. Potential reasons for low blood pressure in the elderly include: A sudden rise: Standing up quickly is the most common cause of low blood pressure in the elderly.
Prolonged bed rest: Inactivity can lead to low blood pressure. Meals: Seniors are more likely to experience low blood pressure after eating than younger people are. Dehydration: Losing too much water can cause blood pressure to take a nosedive. Medication: Sometimes medication for lowering high blood pressure can lower it too much, resulting in blood pressure that is too low.
Making these changes can help raise low blood pressure in the elderly: Rise more carefully: Take time to slowly move from lying down to sitting, and from sitting to standing. Get more exercise: Moving more, and avoid long periods of sitting or standing still. Eat more slowly: Eating smaller meals more frequently, and taking time to finish them, can stop blood pressure from dropping too much. Add some salt: Just as people with high blood pressure benefit from lowering their salt intake, those with low blood pressure benefit from increasing theirs.
Talk to your doctor: If a health problem or medication is causing low blood pressure, your doctor can advise you about how to manage the situation. Free Senior Living Options eBook As you begin your search, use this easy to understand guide to help you better understand your options. SitecoreContextId Subscribe to our blog!
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