Hypertension Treatment and Management in the Elderly

Don’t panic if you or your senior has been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure). You are not alone! Hypertension is a highly prevalent disease affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The great news is that there are several effective hypertension treatments for the elderly to prevent problems. In addition, you can lower your blood pressure and keep it at a healthy level if you take the appropriate strategy.

This article will tell you about hypertension treatments in the elderly, high blood pressure causes, how to manage it, lifestyle changes, caregiving services we provide, etc.

What Is Blood Pressure or Hypertension?

Blood pressure refers to the pressure placed by blood on the artery walls as it circulates across the body. This pressure is maximum while the heart is beating and pumping blood. This is referred to as systolic pressure. Conversely, blood pressure drops while the heart is at rest between beats.

Blood pressure is usually expressed as two numbers, one written above the other as a fraction. The top number is the systolic pressure, while the lower number is the diastolic pressure. Both of these measures are critical. For instance, a person’s blood pressure value may be 120/80 mmHg. Pressure is measured in mmHg. So the blood pressure would be “120 over 80” with this measurement.

 

Blood Pressure Numbers in the Elderly

Blood pressure levels in the elderly might differ from younger populations. This is because blood arteries become less elastic and tighter as people age, which can lead to a rise in blood pressure.

A blood pressure value of 120/80 mmHg or below is considered normal for people, even the elderly, per the American Heart Association. A blood pressure value of 130/80 mmHg or below is considered normal for persons over 65.

In the elderly, blood pressure between 130-139 mmHg systolic or 80-89 mmHg diastolic is deemed “elevated” and may necessitate lifestyle changes or medication to lower the risk of heart disease or stroke.

A blood pressure value of 140/90 mmHg or greater, no matter the age, is called hypertension or high blood pressure and may necessitate medication and lifestyle adjustments to control.

 

What is the Major Cause of High Blood Pressure in the Elderly?

Before you know about hypertension treatments in the elderly, you must learn the causes and signs. In the elderly, high blood pressure, often known as hypertension, can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common and major causes of hypertension in the elderly are:

• Age-related changes. Blood arteries become less elastic and more rigid as people age, which can cause blood pressure to rise.
• Lifestyle factors. A poor diet can cause high blood pressure in the elderly, a lack of physical exercise, being overweight, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.
• A family history. High blood pressure might run in families, and seniors with a family background of high blood pressure may be more vulnerable.
• Underlying medical issues. Some medical disorders, such as diabetes, renal disease, and sleep apnea, might raise the elderly’s risk of hypertension.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), steroids, and certain antidepressants, which are often used in the elderly, can produce high blood pressure as a drawback.

 

What Causes High Blood Pressure in Elderly Women?

Aside from the causes you read about in the previous section, we can add hormonal changes as a cause for women. During menopause, women may undergo hormonal changes that lead to elevated blood pressure.

Senior women must monitor their blood pressure regularly and collaborate with their healthcare practitioners to manage and control it.

 

High Blood Pressure Risks

Proper hypertension treatments in the elderly can minimize the risks of high blood pressure. But who is at risk? Overweight men and women over the age of 45 and those with a family history of HBP are at the largest risk of developing hypertension.

A variety of lifestyle variables can also elevate blood pressure. These are some examples:

• Excessive salt consumption
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Inadequate potassium intake
• Insufficient physical exercise
• Taking certain medications
• Long-term stress exposure
• Smoking

 

New Normal Blood Pressure for Seniors

If you are under 60, the new standards make no difference. But, if you are 60 or older, the objective has shifted: Your target blood pressure should be 150/90 or below. If you have renal disease or diabetes, your blood pressure used to be 130/80 or below; today, it is 140/90 or lower.

 

What is Normal Blood Pressure by Age?

Age	Systolic Range	Diastolic Range
Older adult (61 and older)	95–145	70–90
Adult (41–60 years)	110–145	70–90
Adult (19–40 years)	95–135	60–80
Adolescent (14–18 years)	90–120	50–80
Children (2–13 years)	80–120	40–80
6 months to 2 years	80–100	40–70
Newborn to 6 months	45–90	30–65

 

Complications of High Blood Pressure in the Elderly

The heart has to work harder when you have high blood pressure. As a result, arteries are weakened, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney difficulties. In addition, undiagnosed and untreated high blood pressure can result in:

• Heart enlargement, which can result in heart failure.
• Aneurysms are little bulges in blood arteries. Aneurysms are most commonly found in the major artery going from the heart, arteries in the intestines, legs, brain, and the artery leading to the spleen.
• Kidney blood vessels narrow, which can lead to renal failure.
• Hypertension of the arteries, particularly those in the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can result in a heart attack, stroke, renal failure, or leg amputation.
• Blood vessels in the eyes break or bleed, causing visual abnormalities and blindness.

 

Hypertension Treatments in the Elderly

Hypertension treatments in the elderly vary according to the severity of the ailment and the existence of any underlying medical disorders. The following are some popular high blood pressure in old age treatments:

 

Lifestyle Changes

Some people can avoid or control high blood pressure by adopting better behaviors and changing their lifestyles. For example, the following goals can help seniors regulate their blood pressure:

• Reduce your salt intake and increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy items to maintain a heart-healthy diet.
• Get rid of extra weight and keep it off.
• Participate in frequent physical activity.
• Stop smoking.
• Use alcohol in moderation.

Even after making healthy lifestyle adjustments, blood pressure might stay excessive. In that scenario, using prescription blood pressure medication may be essential. Medications can help manage signs and prevent additional problems, but they cannot cure the illness.

 

Anti-Hypertensive Medications

There are various pharmacological choices for hypertension treatment, and each one works differently to decrease blood pressure. Therefore, a combination of two or more medications is frequently more effective than a single medication. The following drugs are routinely used for hypertension treatments in the elderly.

• Diuretics are frequently referred to as “water pills.” They assist the kidneys in flushing extra water and salt from the body. This lowers blood pressure by reducing the quantity of fluid in the blood. A diuretic is frequently used with another type of medication, and this dual treatment option may be accessible in the form of a single combined tablet.
• Beta-blockers assist the heart in beating more slowly and with less power. The heart pumps less blood via the arteries, lowering blood pressure.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the body from producing angiotensin, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and raises blood pressure. ACE medications prevent this constriction and minimize cardiac stress.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are a relatively new class of medication. Unlike ACE inhibitors, which impede the synthesis of angiotensin, ARBs hinder the hormone from functioning in the body. Patients who do not take ACE inhibitors well are frequently administered ARBs.
• Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) inhibit calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel muscle cells, allowing the arteries to relax and blood pressure to fall.
• Alpha-blockers relax the muscles in the blood vessel walls, enabling blood to flow more freely and lowering blood pressure.
• Alpha-beta blockers combine the above-mentioned effects of alpha- and beta-blockers.

Caregivers must ensure that the elderly take their blood pressure drug(s) simultaneously each day and do not miss doses or cut tablets in half to save money. Do not hesitate to speak with your loved one’s doctor if you have any issues or worries about their condition or meds.

 

Monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring regularly is critical for controlling hypertension in the elderly. This might involve seeing a healthcare practitioner regularly or using a blood pressure monitor to self-monitor at home.

 

Other Methods

Other therapies, such as stress management strategies, relaxation therapy, or acupuncture, may be useful hypertension treatments for the elderly in some circumstances.

 

How to Manage High Blood Pressure in the Elderly?

Handling hypertension in the elderly necessitates a multifaceted strategy that may involve both lifestyle changes and medication therapies. The following are some methods for managing high blood pressure in the elderly:

Maintain a Nutritious Diet

A low-sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol-rich diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help decrease blood pressure in the elderly.

Take Part in Physical Activities 

Walking, cycling, or swimming regularly can assist the elderly in decreasing their blood pressure. However, before beginning any new workout regimen, it is critical to contact a healthcare physician.

Keep a Healthy Weight

Excess weight in the elderly might raise the risk of high blood pressure. On the other hand, weight loss with a balanced diet and exercise can reduce cholesterol and boost health.

Stop Smoking

Cigarette smoking raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking cessation can have both immediate and long-term health advantages.

Use Alcohol in Moderation

Excessive alcohol consumption can elevate blood pressure and raise the possibility of coronary disease and stroke. The alcohol intake should be limited to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for males.

Use Drugs as Prescribed

Medicines for high blood pressure should be taken exactly as prescribed and regularly.

Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly 

Frequent blood pressure monitoring can aid in the proper management of hypertension.

Stress Management

Stress can cause blood pressure to rise, raising the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Stress-relieving practices, including meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, can aid with stress management and blood pressure control.

Controlling, managing, and hypertension treatments in the elderly necessitates a multifaceted strategy that involves lifestyle changes, medicines, and frequent monitoring. The elderly can effectively regulate their blood pressure and decrease the risk of problems linked with hypertension by working closely with a healthcare professional.

 

Caregiving Services for Hypertension Elderly Patients in Las Vegas

Here at Health & Care Professional Network, we recognize that treating hypertension can be difficult, but we’re here to help you at our home health nursing facility. Our expert team of nurses and healthcare professionals is committed to providing the assistance and resources you require to manage your illness and enhance your quality of life.

We think a multifaceted approach to hypertension therapy is required, which is why we emphasize medication management and lifestyle modifications such as food and exercise. We create a personalized treatment plan specific to your requirements and preferences.

Our objective is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to manage your hypertension and live a healthy and fulfilled life. We are always here to answer your questions and give the assistance you require, so if you need anything, please complete our online appointment form to contact us.