High blood pressure, also called hypertension, happens when the force of blood against your artery walls stays too high for too long.
It’s measured with two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
A normal reading is under 120/80 mmHg. If your reading is regularly 130/80 mmHg or higher, you may have high blood pressure.
Many things can cause high blood pressure. These include eating too much salt, not getting enough potassium, not exercising, being stressed, having certain medical conditions, or simply having a family history of it.
Most people with high blood pressure don’t feel any symptoms, which is why it’s often called the “silent killer.” If not treated, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
To manage high blood pressure, doctors may suggest lifestyle changes or prescribe medications. A new study brings fresh hope for people over the age of 60 who are trying to control their blood pressure.
Published in the journal Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications, the study looked at the best systolic blood pressure target for older adults. The researchers used a special method called Bayesian network meta-analysis. This allowed them to combine data from many studies to get stronger, more reliable results.
They looked at six different clinical trials that included older adults. Participants were grouped based on their systolic blood pressure after treatment: under 130 mmHg, between 130–139 mmHg, and 140 mmHg or higher.
The results were interesting. People whose systolic pressure was kept below 130 mmHg had fewer major heart problems compared to those with pressures at 140 mmHg or more.
This included fewer strokes, heart attacks, and cases of heart failure. However, the study didn’t show a clear difference in deaths from heart disease or other causes, though the trends suggested lower risks with better blood pressure control.
This means that for people over 60, aiming for a systolic blood pressure below 130 mmHg may be the best way to prevent major heart-related issues. But the researchers also said that more studies are needed to confirm this.
In the meantime, there are many ways to help keep blood pressure in a healthy range:
Check your blood pressure regularly. This helps you and your doctor know if your treatment is working.
Stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight can raise your blood pressure.
Eat healthy foods. Choose lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid too much salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Exercise often. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity, like walking, most days of the week.
Avoid smoking. Smoking harms your blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
Drink alcohol in moderation. One drink a day for women and two for men is the limit.
Find ways to relax. Stress can raise blood pressure, so try activities like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
Take your medicine as prescribed. If your doctor gives you blood pressure medicine, take it regularly and check your blood pressure often.
Other research is also finding new ways to support heart health. Some studies show that apple juice and yogurt might help. But be careful—foods like black licorice can raise blood pressure dangerously.
The study by Yuling Yan and team adds helpful information for older adults. Keeping systolic pressure under 130 mmHg may be a smart goal to avoid heart problems. With regular checkups and healthy habits, it’s possible to manage high blood pressure and stay healthier longer.
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