Hypertension or blood pressure is caused due to the pressure that blood exerts on the inner walls of arteries is referred to as hypertension. Blood is transported from the heart to other organs and areas of the body through arteries. In medical terms, Hypertension is also referred to as blood pressure.
Two methods are used to determine a person’s hypertension:
The pressure in the arteries occurs when the heart contracts are known as systolic pressure (at the time of a heartbeat)
Diastolic pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries while the heart relaxes between beats.
The systolic pressure is expressed as a percentage of the diastolic pressure
High hypertension that’s not treated early puts a strain on the heart and arteries, which can lead to organ damage. Heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure are all linked to high hypertension.
Different types of Hypertension among senior citizens
Hypertension that is less than 120 over 80 is considered normal.
Hypertension that is above 120 to 129 over 80 is considered high.
Persons with high blood pressure are more likely to develop hypertension and cardiovascular consequences; yet, drugs used to treat hypertension have not been shown to benefit people with high hypertension.
Stage 1 – The majority of persons with hypertension have primary hypertension (also known as “essential” hypertension), which means they don’t know what’s causing their high blood pressure.
Stage 2 – A score of at least 140 out of a possible 90 has high hypertension that affects a tiny percentage of individuals, indicating that there might be issues of organ failure, most commonly a kidney or hormone issue.
High blood pressure is a very common problem in many adults. Hypertension is a rather frequent medical condition. According to the medical data over 46% of older persons and adults suffer from hypertension.
As people get older, hypertension becomes common among adults and senior citizens. According to medical data, hypertension affects 76 percent of adults aged 65 to 74 years and 82 percent of adults aged 75 or older. Consequently, In many adults, you will find hypertension is excessively high. Only 47% of adults have good management of their hypertension, according to a national poll and medical statistics.
Factors responsible for increasing risk in Hypertension
Although the specific cause of primary hypertension is uncertain, there have been various risk factors identified like:
- Senior and obese
- Family history who have hypertension
- Consume a lot of sodium (salt) in the daily diet
- Drink a lot of alcohol
Symptoms
The majority of the time, high hypertension has no sign of any symptoms. Most people aren’t aware they have hypertension until it’s discovered during a doctor’s appointment. Furthermore, because hypertension is often ignored many times, a person’s risk of having other organs diseases and challenges such as heart disease and kidney problems will arise future.
If high blood pressure isn’t treated for a long period, it can lead to symptoms like:
- Headaches that are severe
- Blurred or double vision
- Pain in the chest
- Sudden disorientation or exhaustion
- Breathing problems
- Urine with blood
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headaches or pounding in the ears or neck
Common causes of Hypertension in Senior citizen
Blood vessels gradually get hardened with age, losing their fluidity, according to medical research. This could be one of the reasons why elderly people are more likely to acquire high hypertension. High hypertension, often known as blood pressure, differs from low hypertension that rarely manifests itself. However, if left untreated, it can lead to long-term health issues and various problems.
Diagnosis of Hypertension for Adults
During routine checks, hypertension is routinely detected. People over the age of 40 who do not have a history of hypertension should have their blood pressure checked once a year, as recommended by the doctors. People with risk factors such as obesity or a family history of hypertension, or who have had high hypertension in the past, should have their blood pressure checked more frequently. In the case of young people, they can check their hypertension once a year.
If your hypertension is determined to be high during a medical checkup, you can check your hypertension at home to confirm the results. This is because when a person’s hypertension is taken by a doctor, nurse, or other medical professionals in a clinic or hospital, it often temporarily rises.
A simple blood pressure test can easily and rapidly identify and diagnose hypertension. However, because an elevated blood pressure result does not always mean high blood pressure, it is usual for a healthcare provider to test a patient several times before diagnosing hypertension. Medical practitioners frequently advise patients to get a blood pressure cuff so that they can monitor their blood pressure at home for a length of time.
Hypertension Treatment for Seniors
Untreated hypertension can lead to heart disease and stroke, among other organ failure consequences. As your hypertension climbs above 115/75, which is still within normal limits, the risk of severe consequences increases. High hypertension best treatment can lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or dying.
Changing your way of life — Changing one’s lifestyle is often the first step in treating hypertension. Making these modifications to your lifestyle carries little to no risk.
Reduce your salt intake
Lose weight or control if you are overweight or obese
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Stop smoking
Every day exercise for at least 30 minutes
If your hypertension is regularly high, usually at or above 140/90, you may be prescribed a doctor or hypertension medication. Some older persons, as well as those with cholesterol disease, diabetes, or chronic renal disease worsened by protein in the urine, should take medication to decrease their hypertension or blood pressure.
Prevention of Hypertension
Despite the fact that hypertension generally has a genetic component, the vast majority of people with hypertension can benefit from weight loss, exercise, and a well-balanced, low-sodium diet. With a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and nutrition, many cases of hypertension can be cured or prevented.