High Blood Pressure and Aging

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it produces few, if any, symptoms. So, you may not know that your blood pressure became high. High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease and brain attack.  If it’s untreated, this condition can lead to major cardiovascular and other events such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, eye disease, and more serious problems.

Over half of people aged 60 and older have some amount of high blood pressure. High blood pressure tends to develop gradually over time as a result of age with large artery stiffness and the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries. Fortunately, high blood pressure is easy to detect and, in most cases, controllable. And that’s why it’s so important to monitor your blood pressure regularly.

The New High Blood Pressure Guideline and Age Related Treatment

According to the Nov. 2017 American Heart Association New Blood Pressure Chart Guidelines and updates,

• Normal blood pressure for healthy adults is less than 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated blood pressure (previously called prehypertension) is ranging from 120 – 129 mmHg/less than 80 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension is ranging from 130 to 139 mmHg/80 – 89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension is greater than 140/90 mm HG or higher

Note: Your personal blood pressure goal depends on your age and other medical conditions.

Most people with high blood pressure, particularly prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension don’t experience any symptoms. Even at stage 2, hypertension may not cause any noticeable effects. Those who do experience symptoms may have Headaches, Nosebleeds, and/or Shortness of breath. 

Your high blood pressure may be discovered by chance or at a Doctor’s office visit for checkup.  Your doctor may suggest you start on medications for blood pressure control, and/or making therapeutic life style changes (healthy eating, weight management, and exercise).

Hypertension (age-related) treatment guideline

For overall healthy adults (≥65 years of age), Systolic BP treatment goal is <130 mm Hg. For older adults (≥65 years of age), treatment approach should be based on clinical judgment, patient preference, and reasonable risk/benefit assessment.  Adequate blood pressure management may prevent cognitive decline and dementia.

Note: Data have not been established for the very elderly population. Because the treatment of those with hypertension may not be acceptable and may even be detrimental in the very elderly, life style changes starting in middle age or perhaps earlier could slow or delay progression of the condition and could reduce the burden of related cardiovascular events.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Tips

1. Keep an automatic blood pressure monitor at home for self-monitoring and check regularly. For consistency, always take BP at the same time of the day while relaxed and keep a record.
2. You should measure blood pressure in both arms. A difference of 10 points or more means a 38% greater chance of having a heart attack — something you should talk to your doctor about.
3. The pulse pressure (the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressure readings) . A widened pulse pressure (greater than 40 mmHg) is often due to stiffness of the aorta from atherosclerosis
4. If you are already taking medications for lowing blood pressure, be sure to understand your medication and follow the instructions. Be aware of hypotension (blood pressure drop) episode, if you feel dizzy, weak, hungry, sweat, unable to concentrate, fainting.

Healthy Life Style for Blood Pressure Regulation

Do you realize that you have natural therapeutic power for blood pressure regulation? It works effectively with or without medications and should be your first line choice.

According to American College of Cardiology Foundation,   Nonpharmacologic interventions to reduce BP include: weight loss for overweight or obese patients with a heart healthy diet, sodium restriction, and potassium supplementation within the diet; and increased physical activity with a structured exercise program. Men should be limited to no more than 2 and women no more than 1 standard alcohol drink(s) per day. The usual impact of each lifestyle change is a 4-5 mm Hg decrease in SBP and 2-4 mm Hg decrease in DBP; but diet low in sodium, saturated fat, and total fat and increase in fruits, vegetables, and grains may decrease SBP by approximately 11 mm Hg.

Every adult with high blood pressure or at risk should have a well-tailored plan of care to ensure the achievement of treatment and self-management goals; Effective behavioral and motivational strategies are recommended to promote lifestyle modification. Are you meeting the recommendations above? 

Practical Self-Care Strategies:

1. Know your blood pressure (where you are now) and your target (where you should be), be compliant with medical/health guidance and keep home monitoring/tracking
2. Healthy eating – diet low in sodium, saturated fat, and total fat and increase in fruits, vegetables, and grains may decrease SBP by approximately 11 mm Hg
3. Limit alcoholic drinks - Men should be limited to no more than 2 and women no more than 1 standard alcohol drink(s) per day.
4. Move more and stay active - engage physical activity with a structured exercise routine
5. Weight loss and/or weight maintenance. The usual impact of each lifestyle change is a 4-5 mm Hg decrease in SBP and 2-4 mm Hg decrease in DBP

In addition, eliminate unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, sleep deprivation, unhealthy eating habits, defective stress coping, negative emotions, etc, can be challenging; you may need help as it is difficult to make life style changes and make it last.

You're probably doing it a lot wisely to ensure that you stay in good health and are able to enjoy your later years: eating right, exercising, getting checkups and screenings as recommended by your doctor, for keeping your mind and body fit for an active and rewarding life. Remember, consistency is the key for success. It is not easy. Keep connected and count on Quality Life Forum for your support.

It’s never too late to get started.  For those who need structure and guidance to get motivated for transformation and achieve results, health coaching is a viable option.  QualityLifeForum.net will help you map out a plan, implement wellness strategies, and take you through step by step for achieve results.  You’ll get tips for age appropriate diet and exercise, preventive screenings, reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes, strengthening bones, lessening joint aches, and assuring that your sight, hearing, and memory all stay sharp.  Contact qualitylifeforum@outlook.com to schedule a free 30 min call to chat today.

The Take Home Messages from Your Health Coach

• The new Blood Pressure Guidelines from American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association in Nov, 2017 had lower definition for hypertension to allow earlier intervention.
• High blood pressure is commonly associated with aging; healthy life style is the natural therapeutic way to help lowing high blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular, and many other disease risks. Prevention is the best wellness strategy. If your doctor already prescribed blood pressure pills for you, he (or she) would have prescribed therapeutic lifestyle changes (healthy eating, lose weight, and stay active) for you as well.
• Mindset and behavior transformation for life style changes can be very challenging.  For those who needs help for get motivated and get results, engage in a structured program is a viable option.   QualityLifeForum.net private health coaching will help you map out a plan, implement wellness strategies, take you through step by step for achieve results, and nurture the new health behavior become part of your life style.
  

         Most importantly, you will feel great! Health is your freedom for golden years.    

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805932/
http://www.healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:high-blood-pressure/
https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/understanding-blood-pressure
https://www.reference.com/health/widened-pulse-pressure-3942c6c71cb5b92f
http://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/11/09/11/41/2017-guideline-for-high-blood-pressure-in-adults

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for personal conditions.

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