As we get older, keeping our blood pressure at a healthy level becomes even more important. Blood pressure is the force that pushes blood through your arteries every time your heart beats.
If this pressure is too high, it puts stress on your heart and blood vessels, raising the chance of serious health problems. On the other hand, if it’s too low, you may feel dizzy, faint, or fall, which can also be dangerous—especially for older people.
Heart disease and stroke are two of the top causes of death around the world. Both are closely linked to high blood pressure. That’s why it’s important to find a balance and manage your blood pressure well, especially after age 60.
Doctors used to recommend that people over 60 aim to keep their top blood pressure number—called systolic pressure—below 140. But this advice has changed in recent years thanks to new research. One big study, called the SPRINT trial (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), gave doctors new insight.
In the SPRINT study, researchers looked at people who had a high chance of heart problems but didn’t have diabetes. They split the participants into two groups.
One group tried to keep their systolic pressure below 120, while the other group aimed for below 140. The results were clear. The group with the lower target had fewer heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from these conditions.
At first glance, it might seem like everyone over 60 should aim for a systolic pressure below 120. But it’s not that simple. Very low blood pressure can be risky for older adults. It can lead to dizziness, falls, and problems with the kidneys. These side effects can be just as serious as the heart problems we’re trying to prevent.
That’s why experts now believe that the best blood pressure goal should be based on the individual. For most older adults, keeping the systolic number between 120 and 130 seems to offer the right mix. It helps lower the chance of heart disease without causing too many side effects.
But not everyone is the same. People with other health issues like diabetes or kidney disease might need a different target. Some people don’t react well to certain blood pressure medicines, while others can handle them just fine. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor and come up with a plan that fits your own health needs.
If you or someone you care about is over 60, the most important thing is to have regular check-ups. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about your blood pressure and how to manage it. You might need to make changes to your diet, get more exercise, or take medication.
The science behind blood pressure can be complicated, but the main message is simple: don’t aim too high or too low. Find the range that works best for you, with help from your doctor. That way, you can stay healthy and active in your 60s and beyond.
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.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
