Everything Seniors Must Know About High Blood Pressure

Each time we visit our doctor, we have our blood pressure taken. This reading is a way to find out if our hearts and arteries are healthy and functioning properly. High blood pressure readings can be warnings that we are due for some lifestyle changes. When our readings elevate beyond what is considered normal we can become more at risk for serious complications. Types of High Blood Pressure According to the NIH, there are two types of high blood pressure. The first is primary (or essential) high blood pressure which is the most common and develops over time as a person ages. The second type is called secondary high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition or medications. This type will usually resolve once the source is addressed. What the Numbers Mean As you’ve noticed, when you have a blood pressure reading taken the result displays two numbers. The top number is the “systolic” measure which measures the pressure in the arteries each time the heart beats. The systolic number is the higher of the two. The bottom number is called the “diastolic” which refers to the pressure measured between heartbeats when the heart is resting. How High is Too High? The next logical question most people have is whether their blood pressure is normal or if it is too high. How do we define these numbers? The American Heart Association’s recommendation for healthy blood pressure is 120mm Hg or less over 80mm Hg or less. High blood pres...
Source: Shield My Senior - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Tags: Senior Safety Source Type: blogs