The first number in a blood pressure reading, which represents arterial pressure when the heart beats, is called systolic. The second number, which represents arterial pressure between heartbeats, is called diastolic. A normal blood pressure measures a little below 120/80.
Age
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, hypertension -- blood pressure of 140/90 or over -- affects two out of three people over age 65.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Two factors contributing to hypertension at any age are being overweight and inactivity. Older adults often are more likely than younger people to be overweight and inactive.
Disease Risk Factors
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the most common cause of hypertension in older people is kidney disease. Type 2 diabetes can cause kidney damage that results in hypertension.
Isolated Systolic Hypertension
A common form of hypertension in people over 50 is systolic pressure of 140 or over with normal diastolic pressure. This is believed to be caused by hardening of the arteries, a condition that occurs with age.
