Many people know that keeping blood pressure in a healthy range is important, especially as we get older. But what does that really mean, and why is it so important for people over 60?
Blood pressure is the force that your blood uses to push against the walls of your arteries. It’s a basic health number your doctor checks regularly. If your blood pressure is too high, your heart has to work harder, and that can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
These are some of the biggest causes of death. On the other hand, if your blood pressure is too low, you might feel dizzy, faint, or even fall, which can be dangerous, especially for older adults.
So what is the right number for blood pressure if you’re over 60? For many years, doctors aimed to keep the top number in your blood pressure reading, called the systolic pressure, below 140 mmHg. But research has changed this idea.
One big study called the SPRINT study looked closely at this question. It included people who had a high risk of heart disease but didn’t have diabetes. The researchers divided the people into two groups.
One group tried to keep their systolic pressure below 120 mmHg. The other group tried to stay below 140 mmHg. The results showed that people who had the lower pressure had fewer heart problems, fewer strokes, and even fewer deaths from these issues.
At first, this might sound like everyone over 60 should try to keep their blood pressure below 120 mmHg. But it’s not that simple. When blood pressure goes too low in older people, they may experience side effects like dizziness, tiredness, kidney problems, or falls. These problems can be just as serious as high blood pressure.
Because of this, experts now believe that it’s better to find a healthy middle ground. For most people over 60, keeping the systolic pressure between 120 and 130 mmHg is a good goal. This range seems to lower the chances of heart problems but avoids many of the risks that come with too-low blood pressure.
Still, the best blood pressure target is not the same for everyone. Some people have other health conditions, like diabetes or kidney disease, and they may need a different target. Also, how well someone handles their medications and lifestyle makes a big difference.
If you or someone you love is over 60, this shows why regular doctor visits are so important. Talk to your healthcare provider about your own situation. Managing blood pressure is not about hitting one perfect number. It’s about finding what works best for you, in a safe and smart way.
In the end, staying informed and working closely with your doctor can help you live a healthier and longer 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 information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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