High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is very common among older adults. In fact, nearly two out of three people over the age of 60 have it. Managing high blood pressure is important because it can greatly lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Medicines can help a lot, but they can also bring side effects, especially for older people whose bodies may react more strongly to treatment.
Blood pressure medicines work in different ways. Some relax and widen the blood vessels, some slow down the heart, and others lower the amount of blood the heart has to pump. These actions help lower blood pressure, but not every medicine works the same for everyone, and older adults may be more likely to experience side effects.
There are several main types of blood pressure medicines. These include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARBs. Each type helps in a different way and can cause different problems.
Diuretics, sometimes called “water pills,” help the body get rid of extra salt and water. They are good at lowering blood pressure, but they can cause people to urinate more often. This can lead to dehydration and loss of important minerals. In older adults, this can make kidneys weaker, cause tiredness, and lead to dizziness, which raises the risk of falling.
ACE inhibitors relax the blood vessels to help lower pressure. However, they can cause a dry cough that won’t go away, higher levels of potassium in the blood, and in rare cases, kidney problems. These side effects can be harder for older people who may already have other health issues.
Beta-blockers lower blood pressure by slowing the heart rate. Some side effects include feeling tired, having cold hands and feet, and poor blood flow. In some older people, beta-blockers can also cause confusion or symptoms that seem like depression, which can be mistaken for signs of aging.
Calcium channel blockers keep calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel walls, which helps to lower blood pressure. While these medicines work well, they can cause side effects like a racing heartbeat, swollen ankles, constipation, and headaches. Constipation can be a big problem for older adults and, if not treated, can sometimes lead to serious bowel problems.
ARBs help by blocking a substance in the body that tightens blood vessels. They are usually easier for people to tolerate, but they can still cause dizziness or raise potassium levels, which can be dangerous if not checked regularly.
Even with these possible side effects, it is very important for older adults to manage their blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to serious problems if not treated.
To help lower the risk of side effects, doctors often start with a low dose of medicine and slowly increase it if needed. Regular check-ups are important to make sure the treatment is working and not causing problems.
Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. Eating healthy foods, staying active, and keeping a healthy weight can help lower blood pressure and may even reduce the need for medicines. These changes are important not just for blood pressure but for overall health and happiness too.
Understanding how blood pressure medicines can affect the body helps patients and families make better choices. By working closely with doctors, older adults can find the best plan to control their blood pressure while staying as healthy and comfortable as possible.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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