As people grow older, especially after turning 60, keeping blood pressure in a healthy range becomes more important than ever.
Blood pressure is the force that blood uses to push against the walls of your arteries. If it’s too high, it can lead to serious problems like heart disease and stroke.
If it’s too low, it might make you dizzy or cause you to faint. That’s why finding the right blood pressure level is important, especially for older adults.
For many years, doctors aimed to keep the top number of blood pressure, known as systolic pressure, below 140. But newer studies have changed the way experts think about this.
One big study, called the SPRINT study, looked at people who had a high risk of heart problems but didn’t have diabetes. Researchers compared two groups: one group tried to lower their systolic pressure to under 140, while the other group aimed for a much lower target—under 120.
The results were surprising. The group with the lower blood pressure target had fewer heart attacks, strokes, and even deaths related to heart problems. These results led many experts to wonder if the lower target should become the new standard for older adults.
However, things are not so simple. Trying to lower blood pressure too much can also cause problems. In older people, it may lead to dizziness, falls, or kidney issues. This is especially risky because a fall can result in a serious injury, like a broken bone. Some people may also feel weak or tired when their blood pressure is too low.
Because of this, doctors today don’t recommend one fixed number for everyone. Instead, they now believe in a more personal approach. For many older adults, a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 130 seems to be a good goal. It can help protect the heart without causing too many side effects.
Still, each person is different. If someone has other health problems, like kidney disease or diabetes, their ideal blood pressure might be a bit different. That’s why it’s so important to talk with a doctor. A healthcare provider can look at the person’s overall health and help choose a blood pressure target that makes sense for them.
This means that people over 60 should not try to manage their blood pressure on their own. Instead, they should work with a doctor to check their blood pressure regularly and decide on the best plan. Lifestyle also matters. Eating healthy food, moving more, sleeping well, and managing stress can all help keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
To put it simply, managing blood pressure after 60 is not about chasing one perfect number. It’s about finding a number that works best for your body, your health, and your life. Talking with a doctor and staying informed is the key to living a longer and healthier life.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
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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