Hypertension or high blood pressure raises the risk of having heart disease, a heart attack or stroke. With age, the blood vessels become less elastic, which means the blood pumped by the heart meets with extra resistance. This change makes high blood pressure common in those over 60 years of age. This is why it is important to become aware of the symptoms of hypertension in seniors, which are the same as for a younger person. However, some symptoms signal a medical emergency.
Headaches and Fatigue
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often called a silent killer because it can exist for years without ever causing any symptoms, claims the National Institutes of Health. However, as blood pressure rises, some patients do experience headaches and feel fatigued, or tire easily. Headaches and fatigue can be caused by many illnesses, and can even be side effects of medications that a senior may be taking. Given this, the best way to tell if blood pressure is high is to have it checked regularly.
Dizziness and Nosebleeds
It is rare for high blood pressure to cause symptoms at any age, even if blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels, states the Mayo Clinic. While rare, some patients do experience dizzy spells or nosebleeds with hypertension, but at this stage, blood pressure may be life threatening. Blood pressure levels can be easily tested at a doctor's office, community center, senior center and with a monitor designed for home use.
Trouble Breathing and Anxiety
Blood pressure is always given as two numbers: the systolic, or top number, and the diastolic, or bottom number. According to the American Heart Association, when blood pressure reaches 180 or higher for the top number, or 110 or higher for the bottom number, it is considered a hypertensive crisis. This is a medical emergency. Along with headaches and nosebleeds, feelings of anxiety and trouble breathing are other symptoms that may occur. However, even with readings that indicate a hypertensive crisis, there still may be no symptoms or warning signs until a heart attack or stroke occurs.
