Understanding High Blood Pressure in Elderly Adults - PharmEasy (2024)

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What is dangerously high blood pressure for the elderly? ›

Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure numbers. Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems.

Blood pressure guidelines for men and women over 65

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) currently recommend that men and women 65 and older aim for a blood pressure lower than 140/90 mm Hg.

For people over 60, intensive blood pressure lowering may prevent more heart problems than standard therapy. Current guidelines from the nation's leading heart organizations say adults should aim for a blood pressure reading under 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

To be exact, the old guidelines stated that high blood pressure was anything above 140/90. With the new guidelines, high blood pressure is defined as anything above 130/80. The new guidelines also recommend that you get a system to test yourself at home.

Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.

Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include numbness or tingling, trouble speaking, or changes in vision.

Drinking water can help normalize your blood pressure but doesn't necessarily lower your blood pressure unless you are dehydrated. Because your blood is made up of 90% water, the overall volume will decrease when you are dehydrated.

Even higher blood pressure (with the systolic blood pressure 180 or higher, the diastolic blood pressure more than 120, or both) is called a hypertensive urgency if there are no related symptoms. Or it's called a hypertensive emergency if there are symptoms indicating damage to the brain, heart, or kidneys.

For those who have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring blood pressure down to safer levels. Some examples of aerobic exercise that can help lower blood pressure include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing. Another possibility is high-intensity interval training.

Do bananas lower blood pressure? ›

The Bottom Line. Bananas are a nutritious and tasty option for helping lower blood pressure. Loaded with essential nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamin C, bananas offer several benefits for cardiovascular health. Their potassium content counterbalances sodium intake, promoting blood vessel relaxation.

if your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90mmHg (or 135/85mmHg at home) and your risk of other problems is high – you'll be offered medicine to lower your blood pressure, in addition to lifestyle changes.

The thresholds for high blood pressure are the same regardless of a person's age. According to guidance from the American Heart Association (AHA) , the classification for high blood pressure is when either the systolic number is at least 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or the diastolic number is at least 80 mm Hg.

For elderly patients with primary hypertension, the first antihypertensive drug should be a thiazide diuretic (preferably chlorthalidone) or a calcium channel blocker [35]. 2. The first and if needed second antihypertensive drug should be a thiazide diuretic plus a calcium channel blocker. 3.

If your systolic is over 180 or your diastolic is above over 120, you may be having a hypertensive crisis, which can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage. Rest for a few minutes and take your blood pressure again. If it's still that high, call 911.

On the other hand, the life expectancy of someone with controlled high blood pressure can often be well into retirement age. With that being said, research³ does show that although you can live a long life, it may be five to seven years shorter than those without high blood pressure.

If you are monitoring your blood pressure at home and notice levels regularly above 140/90 OR if you are experiencing symptoms such as severe headaches or changes in vision, contact your doctor immediately and go to the emergency room.