As people get older, keeping their blood pressure at a healthy level becomes more important, but also more complicated. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can increase the risk of serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
On the other hand, lowering blood pressure too much can lead to dizziness, fainting, and falls. So, what is the right balance for older adults?
For years, doctors recommended keeping the top blood pressure number (systolic pressure) below 140 mmHg. This was considered a safe target to prevent heart problems. However, newer research has led to updated recommendations.
Scientists have been studying whether lowering blood pressure even further, below 120 mmHg, might provide even better protection against heart disease and stroke.
One of the most important studies on this topic is the SPRINT trial (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial). It looked at people over 50 who were at risk for heart disease but did not have diabetes.
The study compared two groups: one aimed to keep their systolic blood pressure under 140 mmHg, while the other tried to lower it below 120 mmHg. The results showed that the group with the lower blood pressure had fewer heart attacks, strokes, and even deaths related to heart disease.
These findings were exciting because they suggested that lowering blood pressure more aggressively could help people live longer. However, doctors also found that aiming for a systolic pressure below 120 mmHg had some risks, especially for older adults.
It increased the chances of side effects like dizziness, fainting, kidney problems, and falls. This is a major concern because falls can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, and can reduce a person’s ability to stay independent.
Because of these risks, experts now believe there isn’t one perfect blood pressure goal for everyone over 60. Instead, the best target depends on the person’s overall health. In general, keeping systolic blood pressure between 120 and 130 mmHg seems to be a good balance.
It lowers the risk of heart disease without causing too many side effects. However, some people may need different targets based on their health conditions. For example, those with diabetes or kidney disease might need a different approach.
This means that older adults should work closely with their doctors to find the best blood pressure target for them. Regular check-ups are important to monitor any changes and adjust treatment if needed. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, reducing salt intake, and managing stress, can also help control blood pressure naturally.
The main takeaway is that managing blood pressure is not about hitting one specific number. It’s about finding a target that helps reduce health risks while avoiding harmful side effects.
Everyone’s body reacts differently to blood pressure treatments, so an individualized approach is best. By staying informed and working with healthcare providers, people over 60 can make the best choices for their health and continue to live active, healthy lives.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that drinking tea could help lower blood pressure, and early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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