According to the CDC, more than 70% of U.S. seniors have high blood pressure. Blood pressure is an important health marker throughout life. However, it becomes even more critical to monitor changes as we age to help prevent more serious complications like heart attacks and fall risk. In this post, we will explore blood pressure guidelines for seniors, the risks of abnormal readings, and what you can do to manage your blood pressure for a healthier, more vibrant life.
What is Blood Pressure and Why Does it Matter?
Blood pressure is like the internal pressure system of your body – imagine your blood vessels as a network of pipes, and blood pressure as the force of water flowing through those pipes.
When you get your blood pressure checked, the reading consists of two numbers. Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pushes blood throughout your body. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.
For seniors, blood pressure becomes increasingly important because aging naturally affects our cardiovascular system. As we get older, blood vessels become more rigid and narrow – which causes blood pressure to rise.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association’s (AHA) official guidelines use the following ranges to classify blood pressure readings in adults:
- Low: <90/<60 mm Hg
- Normal: <120/<80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
- Hypertension stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
- Hypertension stage 2: >140/>90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive crisis (seek medical attention immediately): >180/>120 mm Hg
For adults 65 and over, maintaining a systolic blood pressure of <130 is generally recommended – but this is not a one-size-fits all goal. The ACC/AHA guidelines advise that blood pressure targets should be individualized for older patients based on medical history and clinical judgement.
Risks of Uncontrolled Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, and changes to your average blood pressure tend to happen gradually. Without monitoring, most people do not notice when their blood pressure is consistently outside of the healthy range. Left unchecked, abnormal blood pressure can put you at risk for more serious medical issues.
High blood pressure (hypertension) damages arteries throughout the body and restricts blood flow to vital organs which can increase your risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, renal damage, and vision problems.
While often overlooked, low blood pressure (hypotension) can be equally problematic. If left untreated, it may lead to complications such as fainting, increased fall risk, reduced blood flow to vital organs, lethargy, confusion, and nausea.
Factors Influencing Blood Pressure in Seniors
Blood pressure in seniors is influenced by many different factors. For instance, your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Your physical activity levels also influence your average blood pressure. Chronic health conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, kidney disorders, and thyroid conditions – as well as medications like NSAIDs, antidepressants, corticosteroids, cold medicine, and others – can also impact blood pressure readings.
While managing blood pressure might seem overwhelming, understanding these factors is the first step toward better health.
You can significantly reduce your risk of serious complications by working closely with your healthcare provider and adopting a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health.
Take the first step today: schedule a comprehensive blood pressure assessment. Together, you can develop a personalized plan to keep your blood pressure – and your health – in optimal condition. If you’re looking for more practical strategies you can put into practice right away to keep blood pressure in check, read our other blog post about tips for managing your blood pressure.
