Hypertension: Usually defined as BP> 140/90, assuming the readings are taken in a doctor’s office.Doctors must evaluate a person’s heart rate when considering a change in BP medication. Automatic BP monitors report pulse along with BP. This reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes.
Diastolic blood pressure (DBP): the “lower number” when BP is checked.It’s by far the most important number to consider when it comes to older adults. Systolic blood pressure (SBP): the “top number” when BP is checked. This reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart squeezes.Key terms about blood pressure and hypertension: If you are helping an older relative manage health, you can follow these steps on behalf of your relative.īut first, let’s review a few key terms related to blood pressure. This will help you to better work with your doctors on assessing and managing your blood pressure. If you’re an older adult, you can use this approach to get started assessing your own BP management plan. Determine whether we should attempt changes.Assess an older person’s blood pressure management plan, and.
In this article, I’ll share with you the process that I use to: But what I can do is provide a sensible process that will help you successfully address these questions. Now, I can’t provide exact answers on the Internet. These are excellent questions to ask, so I’d like to help you answer them. So it’s certainly sensible for older adults – and for those helping aging parents – to think about blood pressure.Īnd once you start thinking about high blood pressure, you’ll probably start to wonder.Īre the blood pressure medications you’re taking enough? Is your blood pressure at the “right” level or should you and your doctors work on changing things?Īnd what about that major research – the SPRINT trial - that made the news in 2015? (In this study, older adults randomized to aim for a lower BP did better than those who got “standard” BP treatment.)
After all, hypertension is the most common chronic condition among older adults, and medications for blood pressure (BP) are among the most commonly taken drugs in the US.Įven more important: poorly controlled hypertension is a major contributor to the most common causes of death and disability in older adults: strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure. Have you been concerned about high blood pressure (hypertension)? Or are you worried about an older relative having a stroke or heart attacks?
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