This article provided by Comfort Keepers, an independent caregiving provider in the Masonic Value Network

The Silent Killer

It may be surprising to realize that nearly half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure (or hypertension). It’s especially concerning considering that high blood pressure contributes significantly to the risk of health conditions that thousands face each year, such as heart attack, stroke, chronic heart failure, and kidney disease. And because those with high blood pressure tend not to have any symptoms, the disease is often referred to as the ‘silent killer.’
Blood pressure can increase for those of any age, but adults age 65 and older tend to be at greater risk of high blood pressure because of structural changes to the arteries. Fortunately, education around blood pressure seems to be making an impact; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there has been a gradual increase in the number of older adults who have received treatment for high blood pressure since 1999. The key to managing high blood pressure for these individuals was having their blood pressure checked frequently. But what exactly constitutes normal blood pressure for seniors?

What Is Considered Normal?

High blood pressure was, for many years, treated at 140/90mm Hg, but just last year, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released new guidelines that consider 130/80 to be high. While these new guidelines were put in place to help treat high blood pressure earlier, some in the medical community feel that it may be harder to apply directly to seniors, who, as mentioned, already have higher blood pressure levels than younger adults. Treating the matter as black and white may not be realistic. For instance lowering a senior’s blood pressure, when unnecessary, can dramatically increase seniors’ risk of falling. Conversely, one study showed that frail seniors may actually benefit from a slightly higher blood pressure level to help facilitate constant blood flow.
By ACC standards, blood pressure lower than 120/80 is still considered ideal, but physicians should consider all aspects of a senior’s wellbeing before setting out to reach this goal. Cardiovascular health is an extraordinarily important part of our overall health, but it should not be managed in a silo. Seniors should discuss the subject of their blood pressure thoroughly with a physician, keeping in mind any existing conditions and current medications. Comprehensive discussion will help lead to a better plan for either reducing the risk of high blood pressure or management of existing high blood pressure.

Managing Blood Pressure

All seniors should obtain a blood pressure monitor for their home so that they can self-check. It’s recommended that several readings, across the span of about one week, are averaged in order to get higher level of blood pressure accuracy. If blood pressure consistently stays high, medication may be required. However, there are a number of
lifestyle choices seniors can make to help reduce their risk of high blood pressure, all of which should be done with physician approval.

• Follow a balanced, heart-healthy diet, complete with fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and nuts
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get some form of exercise every day for at least 30 minutes
• Do not salt your food and avoid processed foods whenever possible (especially if salt-sensitive)
• Follow a consistent sleep schedule
• Limit alcohol consumption (no more than one beverage a day for women, and two for men)
• Don’t smoke, or take steps to quit

Fast Fact

The CDC reports that nearly 8 out of 10 people who have their first stroke also have high blood pressure.

Comfort Keepers® Can HelpThe compassionate, professional caregivers of Comfort Keepers® can promote a heart-healthy lifestyle for seniors, in addition to other in-home care services, such as light housekeeping and mobility assistance. We can also provide transportation to and from the doctor’s office for any scheduled visits, and even help those recovering from any heart-related conditions. Contact a local Comfort Keepers office to learn about these services and others for seniors.