As people grow older, keeping blood pressure in a healthy range becomes more important—but also more complicated.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can raise the chances of having serious health problems, such as heart disease, strokes, or kidney damage.
But lowering blood pressure too much can also be harmful. It might cause dizziness, fainting, and falls—especially in older adults.
For a long time, doctors recommended keeping the top blood pressure number, called systolic pressure, below 140 mmHg. This number shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. It was thought that this level would lower the risk of heart-related issues. However, new research has suggested that even lower targets might offer better protection.
A major study called the SPRINT trial (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) looked at this idea closely. The study included people over the age of 50 who were at risk of heart disease but did not have diabetes.
The participants were divided into two groups. One group aimed to keep their systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg. The other group tried to reduce their systolic number below 120 mmHg.
The results showed that the group with lower blood pressure had fewer strokes, heart attacks, and deaths caused by heart disease. This was a big discovery, suggesting that more aggressive treatment could help people live longer and stay healthier.
But there was another side to the story. The group with the lower blood pressure also had more side effects. These included feeling dizzy, fainting, and having problems with their kidneys. Most importantly, they had a higher risk of falling, which can be dangerous for older people. Falls can cause broken bones, long-term injuries, and a loss of independence.
Because of this, experts now say that there is no one-size-fits-all blood pressure target for older adults. Instead, it depends on the person’s overall health, lifestyle, and other medical conditions.
For most older adults, keeping systolic blood pressure between 120 and 130 mmHg seems to be a good goal. It can lower the risk of heart problems without causing too many side effects.
However, people with other health conditions—like diabetes or kidney disease—may need different targets. That’s why it’s important to work with a doctor who can help find the right balance. Regular check-ups are important to track blood pressure and make changes to treatment when needed.
Lifestyle habits also make a big difference. Eating healthy foods, staying active, lowering salt intake, and finding ways to manage stress can all help control blood pressure naturally.
In the end, managing blood pressure in older age isn’t about reaching a perfect number. It’s about finding the safest range that helps protect the heart and brain while avoiding unwanted problems like falls or kidney damage. With the help of healthcare professionals and healthy habits, older adults can find the best approach for staying well and enjoying life.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about what to eat and to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the connection between potato and high blood pressure, and how to eat your way to healthy blood pressure.
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