Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a common condition among elderly people. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, about two-thirds of Americans over age 65 have hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to other health complications like stroke, heart disease, heart failure and kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to treat the condition as soon as it is diagnosed.
Step 1
Know the types of hypertension. Two types of hypertension are seen in people over age 65. Hypertension known as classic essential hypertension occurs when the systolic and diastolic (both the top and bottom number) on a blood pressure reading are higher than they should be. Generally, this number should be lower than 140/90. Hypertension known as isolated systolic hypertension is where the top number is high and the bottom number is in a normal range. Both types of hypertension in the elderly increase chances of having health complications, but having isolated systolic hypertension is more common among the elderly and it is associated with a higher risk for complications more than regular hypertension.
Step 2
See a doctor. The type of treatment offered to an elderly person with hypertension depends upon the severity of the condition. An elderly person with slightly elevated blood pressure and no other medical problems may be able to see positive results with some lifestyle changes. However, an elderly person with higher blood pressure and underlying conditions, such as diabetes, cigarette smoking and heart failure may need to take blood pressure medication in addition to making lifestyle changes. Moreover, a person whose slightly elevated blood pressure doesn't respond to lifestyle changes within six months may need to take medication. A doctor can determine how severe the condition is and set up an appropriate treatment plan.
Step 3
Make lifestyle changes. Whether taking hypertension medication or not, getting more exercise, absorbing plenty of vitamins and minerals, losing weight, and avoiding unhealthy habits, such as smoking, using illicit drugs, drinking alcohol and eating junk foods, can help reduce blood pressure. Elderly people may need to do more moderate exercise, such as swimming, walking and bowling.
Step 4
Take prescribed medications. If the hypertension has affected an elderly patient who also has other medical conditions, a doctor may prescribe specialized medications or multiple medications. For example, a person with chest pain and high blood pressure may need to take a beta blocker, which lowers blood pressure, reduces chest pain, reduces the heart rate, and decreases the risk of death by reducing nerve signals to the blood vessels and heart. A person with diabetes and high blood pressure may need to take a diuretic, which flushes excess water and sodium from the body and lowers blood pressure, as well as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to relax the blood vessels.
