Why is it important to monitor blood pressure as you get older?

Why is it important to monitor blood pressure as you get older?

Why is it important to monitor blood pressure as you get older?

“As you age, the vascular system changes. This includes your heart and blood vessels. In the blood vessels, there’s a reduction in elastic tissue in your arteries, causing them to become stiffer and less compliant.

Why is it important to regularly check blood pressure?

A blood pressure screening is important because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms and cannot be detected without being measured. High blood pressure increases risk of heart disease and stroke. Be screened for blood pressure once every two years, starting at age 20.

Why do older adults have higher blood pressure?

High blood pressure is very common in older people. As we age, our vascular system changes. Arteries get stiffer, so blood pressure goes up. This is true even for people who have heart-healthy habits.

When do you need to have your blood pressure checked?

Have it checked yearly if you are over 40, your blood pressure is on the high side, or you have a personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack. Be advised by your doctor. Blood tests – check cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides, among other things.

What are the benefits of high blood pressure in elderly people?

Thus, high blood pressure can indicate a strong heart. As for the second benefit, pumping more blood to an elderly person’s brain can ensure better oxygenation, which can protect the brain from developing dementia. So the blood pressure for an 85 year old male who is otherwise in good physical condition can be a little elevated.

Can a very old person have high blood pressure?

On top of that, as previewed in the introduction of this article, for very old and frail people (over the age of 80), elevated blood pressure can be a good indicator. How do we explain this? Well, for a senior to have high blood pressure, their heart has to be relatively strong to pump the blood with such force.

Why is it important to have regular health check ups?

Regular health check-ups can identify any early signs of health issues. Finding problems early means that your chances for effective treatment are increased. Many factors, such as your age, health, family history and lifestyle choices, impact on how often you need check-ups. It is a good idea to visit a doctor regularly, even if you feel healthy.

Have it checked yearly if you are over 40, your blood pressure is on the high side, or you have a personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack. Be advised by your doctor. Blood tests – check cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides, among other things.

How is blood pressure measured in an elderly person?

If you take a look at an elderly blood pressure chart, you can see that blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and presented in the form of a fraction. However, it is not a fraction, but two numbers, one over the other, representing systolic pressure (the upper number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number).

When to seek help for high blood pressure in seniors?

Top Blood Pressure Number Is Key in Seniors When systolic blood pressure rises above 160 in people aged 60 and older, it’s time to consider treatment — even if the lower number is normal, less than 90. Skip to main content Check Your Symptoms Find A Doctor

What happens to your blood pressure when you get older?

Often older people diagnosed with high blood pressure have “isolated systolic hypertension. “This type of high blood pressure means that only the systolic blood pressure is elevated to over 129 mm Hg while the diastolic blood pressure remains under 90 mm Hg.