High blood pressure is a common problem for older adults. But many people wonder—what’s the best blood pressure level to aim for as we age?
A recent study looked at this question and tried to find clearer answers. Instead of doing one big experiment, the researchers reviewed results from six different studies. This approach helped them spot patterns and learn from a large group of people.
They focused on the top number in a blood pressure reading, called systolic blood pressure (SBP). This number shows how hard your blood pushes against your arteries when your heart beats.
The study grouped older adults into three categories based on their SBP:
– Below 130 mmHg
– Between 130 and 139 mmHg
– 140 mmHg or more
So, what did they find?
Older adults with SBP below 130 mmHg had fewer serious heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes. In contrast, people with SBP at 140 mmHg or higher had more heart-related issues. This suggests that keeping blood pressure below 130 might help older adults stay healthier.
However, the researchers also said that not all results were clear. While lower blood pressure seemed better in many cases, they couldn’t say for sure that this was true in every situation.
What does this mean for older people?
If you’re 60 or older and dealing with high blood pressure, aiming for a systolic pressure below 130 mmHg could be a good goal. But everyone’s health is different. That’s why it’s important to talk with a doctor before making changes to your treatment or health plan.
This study adds to what we know about high blood pressure and aging. Other research also shows that what we eat—like eating fewer potatoes or getting more potassium—can affect blood pressure too.
Learning more about these connections can help you make smarter choices to protect your heart and live a longer, healthier life.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that widely used blood pressure drug may increase eye disease risk and common blood pressure drugs linked to cognitive decline.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about why checking blood pressure while lying down is very important and lowering top blood pressure number to less than 120 mm Hg effectively prevents heart disease.
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