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Blood
Pressure Is Excessive |
High blood pressure (HBP) is frequent among elderly persons
in the United States and is a dangerous condition that may dramatically raise
the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke,
renal failure, and other health issues and dangers. The force of blood pressing
against artery walls when the heart pumps blood is referred to as "blood
pressure." HBP is a significant force applied over a long period that may
cause substantial harm to the body. Senior folks must understand what their
blood pressure signifies and how to avoid and, if required, treat HBP. People
who work in senior citizen care should be knowledgeable about HBP and how they
may support practices that promote good blood flow.
Overview
HBP affects about one in every three individuals in the
United States. HBP has no evident symptoms; it might be causing damage to the
heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs for years with no obvious
symptoms. As a result, regardless of how you feel physically, knowing your
blood pressure is critical. If your blood pressure is excessively high, you may
take the appropriate precautions. Blood pressure should be monitored by senior
individuals and others engaged in their elder care regardless of the range. If
it is normal, you should strive to maintain it that way. If it is high, you
should seek treatment to limit and avoid bodily harm.
Blood Pressure Readings
The pressure reading is made up of two numbers: systolic
pressure, which is the pressure while the heart is pumping blood, and diastolic
pressure, which is the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. Your
blood pressure is often written and reported as systolic over diastolic. For
example, you may read 120/80 mmHg, which is pronounced: "120 over 80."
The chart below displays typical adult numbers and which
values put you at a higher risk for health concerns. Your blood pressure may
vary, but if it is regularly higher than usual, you are at risk of having high
blood pressure.
These levels apply to people who do not have any short-term
significant conditions that might cause a temporary fluctuation in blood
pressure.
Levels exceeding 120/80 mmHg enhance your risk, which
increases as the numbers climb. The term "prehypertension" suggests
that you are predisposed to developing high blood pressure if preventive
measures are not followed. If you've been treating HBP and your readings have
been in the normal range, your blood pressure is under control, but the problem
still exists. As a result, even if you achieve healthy blood pressure at some
time, it is essential to continue medication to maintain normal levels.
Causes
High blood pressure is prevalent in the elderly since it
tends to grow with age unless you take actions to avoid or manage it. As a
result, it is critical that elderly individuals and others engaged in their
elder care monitor blood pressure to ensure that it remains within or returns
to normal levels.
Certain medical conditions, such as chronic renal disease,
thyroid illness, and sleep apnea, may cause blood pressure to rise. Some
medications may also cause an increase in blood pressure. These include asthma
drugs (corticosteroids) and even over-the-counter cold remedies.
When some women take birth control pills, get pregnant, or
utilize hormone replacement treatment, their blood pressure rises. Taking
hormones to relieve menopausal symptoms might produce a slight increase in
systolic blood pressure in women. If you already have HBP and want to start
taking hormones, talk to your doctor about the risks and advantages. If you
decide to use hormones, you should learn how to regulate your blood pressure
and how often you should get it tested to avoid more severe health concerns.
Factors of Risk
There are several risk factors for HBP, including features,
diseases, and behaviors. The key risk factors for HBP are discussed further
below.
Age
Because blood pressure increases with age, older persons
are more likely to acquire HBP. Over half of all older persons in the United
States suffer from HBP. Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), defined as having
high systolic pressure (top number) solely, is the most frequent kind of HBP in
older persons. ISH affects almost two-thirds of older adults with HBP. Although
many elderly people have HBP, it is not a natural component of aging. There are
several strategies to be healthy and maintain normal blood pressure as we age.
Ethnicity and race
HBP may affect people of any race, however, it is more
common in African Americans than in Caucasians or Hispanic Americans. African
Americans, about these groups:
●
HBP is more likely to occur
earlier in life.
●
Frequently have more severe HBP
●
Are more likely to be aware of
their HBP and seek treatment
●
Are less likely than Caucasians to
attain goal control levels with HBP therapy, but roughly as likely as Hispanic
Americans.
●
Have a greater incidence of early
mortality from HBP-related comorbidities, such as coronary heart disease,
stroke, and renal failure, than Caucasians.
●
The risks of HBP vary across
various populations of Hispanic-American individuals. Puerto Rican American
adults, for example, had a greater risk of HBP-related mortality than all other
Hispanic populations and Caucasians. Cuban Americans, on the other hand, have
lower rates than Caucasians.
Obesity or being overweight
You are more likely to develop HBP if you are overweight or
obese. Being overweight is characterized as having excess body weight from
muscle, bone, fat, and/or water, while obesity is defined as having an
excessive quantity of additional body fat.
Gender
Although males are more prevalent than women to develop
HBP, younger women aged 18-59 are more likely than men to be aware of and seek
treatment for BP. Women over 60 are just as likely as men to be aware of and
seek treatment for HBP, however control of blood pressure is lower in women
over 60 who are being treated than in males of the same age group.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Practices
Certain lifestyle practices might put you at risk for HBP.
The following undesirable habits should be minimized and discouraged among
senior adults and their caregivers:
●
Excessive sodium consumption from
salty foods or beverages
●
Excessive alcohol consumption
●
Inadequate potassium intake
●
Inadequate physical activity or
exercise
●
Other Risk Factors Besides Smoking
●
A family history of HBP may
enhance your vulnerability to developing HBP. Stress over extended periods may
also increase your risk.
Share this with your family and those you love.
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