High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a health condition that many people have around the world.
If it is not treated the right way, it can lead to very serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, or kidney damage.
This is especially true for older adults, who are more likely to get high blood pressure as they get older. That’s why finding the safest and most helpful way to manage blood pressure is so important.
For many years, doctors have tried to keep a person’s top blood pressure number (called systolic pressure) below 140. But new research published in the journal Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications suggests that going lower—below 130—might be even better, especially for people aged 60 and older.
To find this out, researchers looked at six past studies on older adults with high blood pressure. They used a method that lets them combine results from many studies to see the bigger picture. This method is called Bayesian network meta-analysis.
The researchers compared how people did when their blood pressure was lowered to different levels. They found that people whose blood pressure went below 130 were less likely to have serious heart problems, like heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. These people also had a slightly lower chance of dying from heart disease or other causes.
Even though the differences were not always large, they still showed that lower blood pressure might help older adults stay healthier and avoid dangerous health problems.
However, not everyone responds the same way to blood pressure treatment. Some people might feel dizzy or tired if their blood pressure goes too low. So, doctors need to think carefully about each person’s health and needs before setting a blood pressure goal.
Treating high blood pressure usually includes both medication and lifestyle changes. Doctors choose medicine based on a person’s age, health history, and other risks. But people can also help themselves by living in a healthier way.
Eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the best things people can do. This means eating less salt and eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods that are rich in potassium, like bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, are also helpful.
Exercise is important too. Simple activities like walking, biking, or swimming a few times a week can make a big difference. Managing stress is also very important. Calming activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help relax the body and lower blood pressure.
Other healthy steps include quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, and getting enough sleep. Even small changes in these areas can lead to better health over time.
This new study gives doctors and patients more to think about when making a treatment plan. Aiming for lower blood pressure may help many older people, but it’s important to talk to a doctor about what’s right for each person.
The main goal is to prevent serious illness and help people live longer and healthier lives. With the right care, high blood pressure can be managed safely and effectively.
If you care 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.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about why checking blood pressure while lying down is very important and lowering top blood pressure number to less than 120 mm Hg effectively prevents heart disease.
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