Managing blood pressure becomes more important as people age, especially for those over 60.
Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through your arteries. If this pressure is too high, it can lead to heart disease or stroke, two of the biggest causes of death.
If it’s too low, other problems like dizziness or fainting can happen. So, what is the best blood pressure level for people over 60?
For many years, doctors aimed to keep the top number of blood pressure, known as systolic pressure, below 140 mmHg in older adults.
However, new research has led to changes in these guidelines. One important study that changed the way doctors think about this is called the SPRINT study (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial).
This large study looked at people who had high blood pressure but didn’t have diabetes. The researchers tested whether it was better to lower the systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg instead of the older target of 140 mmHg. The results were surprising.
People who aimed for the lower target had fewer heart attacks, strokes, and even deaths related to heart problems. These findings made some experts wonder if everyone over 60 should aim for this lower number.
But it’s not that simple. Lowering blood pressure too much can cause its own problems, especially in older adults. This can lead to issues like dizziness, falls, and problems with the kidneys.
These risks can sometimes be more dangerous for elderly people than having slightly higher blood pressure. So, while the SPRINT study showed that a lower target could help some people, it’s not always the best choice for everyone.
Right now, most experts recommend that people over 60 aim for a systolic pressure between 120 and 130 mmHg. This seems to give the best balance between reducing the risk of heart problems and avoiding the side effects of having blood pressure that is too low.
However, the right target can depend on other health factors like whether someone has diabetes or kidney disease.
If you or someone you know is over 60, it’s important to talk to a doctor regularly about blood pressure. There isn’t one perfect blood pressure target that works for everyone. Each person’s situation is different.
Doctors will look at a person’s overall health and lifestyle when deciding what blood pressure target is best. They may also consider how well a person handles blood pressure medication and whether it causes side effects.
In simple terms, managing blood pressure in people over 60 is a personal process. The best way to stay healthy is by working with a doctor to find a blood pressure target that fits your needs.
There’s no single answer that works for everyone, and what’s right for you might not be right for someone else.
By staying informed and having regular check-ups, you can help manage your blood pressure in a way that keeps you safe and healthy as you age. It’s about finding what works for you and adjusting as needed to keep your heart and body healthy.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
