As people grow older, managing blood pressure becomes both more important and more complex.
Blood pressure measures how strongly your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. It’s one of the key indicators of heart and blood vessel health.
When blood pressure is too high, it can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. But when it’s too low, it can cause dizziness, fainting, and dangerous falls. Finding the right balance is especially important for people over 60, whose bodies and blood vessels naturally change with age.
For many years, doctors advised older adults to keep the top number of their blood pressure—called the systolic pressure—below 140. This number shows how much pressure the blood exerts when the heart beats. But new research has led experts to reconsider this target.
One of the most influential studies in this field is called the SPRINT study, which stands for Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial.
The study followed thousands of people at high risk for heart disease who did not have diabetes. The researchers wanted to know if aiming for a lower blood pressure—below 120 instead of 140—would provide more protection for the heart.
The results were surprising. People who managed to keep their systolic pressure below 120 had fewer heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart-related causes. These findings made some doctors wonder if all older adults should aim for this lower target.
However, the answer isn’t so simple. While lower blood pressure can protect the heart, it can also cause problems for some people.
Extremely low blood pressure can make older adults feel dizzy or weak, increasing the risk of falls or fainting. It can also stress the kidneys and cause other complications. So while lowering blood pressure can save lives, it can also create new risks if not done carefully.
Because of this, most doctors now take a more personalized approach. Instead of recommending one number for everyone, they consider each patient’s overall health. For many people over 60, a systolic pressure between 120 and 130 is often a good goal. This range seems to reduce heart risks without causing too many side effects.
But this target can vary. For example, someone with kidney disease, diabetes, or other health conditions may need a different goal. Doctors now focus on “individualized care,” meaning they create treatment plans that fit each person’s unique health situation instead of applying a one-size-fits-all rule.
If you or a loved one is over 60, it’s important to check blood pressure regularly and talk with a doctor about what goal is safest.
Making healthy lifestyle changes—like reducing salt, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking—can make a big difference. For some people, medication may also be needed, but the dosage and type of medicine should always be tailored to the person’s condition.
In short, there’s no single “perfect” blood pressure number for older adults. Thanks to research like the SPRINT study, we now know that lower blood pressure can be beneficial, but it must be balanced against the risks. The best target is the one that keeps you feeling healthy, steady, and strong.
Managing blood pressure in your 60s and beyond is not just about reaching a specific number—it’s about understanding your body, working closely with your doctor, and making choices that help you live longer, safer, and more actively.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that new research challenges conventional blood pressure guidelines and scientists make a big breakthrough in high blood pressure treatment.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies that widely used blood pressure drug may increase eye disease risk and common blood pressure drugs linked to cognitive decline.
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