Hypertension in the elderly, a condition that you should be aware of

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common disease, especially among the elderly or the elderly. Even according to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute , elderly people are at up to 90% risk of developing high blood pressure in later life. So, how can high blood pressure occur in the elderly and how can it be controlled?

What causes hypertension in the elderly?

Blood pressure is not a permanent condition. Blood pressure can vary over time depending on many things, from what activities are done, the food consumed, the time taken to be measured, to age.

As you get older, your blood pressure tends to increase. Therefore, as you get older, your risk of developing hypertension will also increase.

In both high and normal blood pressure conditions, systolic blood pressure will increase significantly until you enter the age of 70 or 80 years. Meanwhile, the diastolic pressure will continue to increase until the age of 50 or 60 years.

Although it continues to increase, blood pressure in the elderly is uncertain. The cause of hypertension in the elderly is still a matter of debate.

However, experts believe that increasing age has the potential to cause hardening of the arteries. This hardening reduces the flexibility of the large arteries and aorta, making hypertension in the elderly more likely.

Reduced flexibility of the large arteries and aorta is related to changes in the plasma renin enzyme in the body. As a result, the body experiences fluid retention and cannot properly remove salt from the body. In the elderly, this condition can increase the occurrence of high blood pressure.

Isolated systolic hypertension

Isolated systolic hypertension is a type of hypertension that is also common in the elderly, especially women. In this condition, the systolic blood pressure increases to 140 mmHg or more, while the diastolic blood pressure is below 90 mmHg.

Isolated systolic hypertension can occur due to certain medical conditions, such as anemia, overactive adrenal and thyroid glands, malfunctioning aortic valve, kidney disease, or sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In the elderly, this condition is generally caused by hardening or stiffness of the large arteries or aorta around the heart.

This stiffness in the aorta can occur because the elasticity of blood vessels tends to decrease with age. This condition can increase the risk of fatty deposits (plaque) on the inside of the artery walls, resulting in narrowing or blockage of blood vessels or atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis makes blood vessels thick and stiff. When this happens, the diastolic blood pressure tends to fall, while the systolic pressure increases.

What are the symptoms of hypertension that may arise in the elderly?

High blood pressure generally does not cause certain symptoms of hypertension. This also occurs in the elderly. Hypertension in the elderly, does not always cause symptoms.

Although it does not have specific symptoms, hypertension usually causes the elderly to have shortness of breath, shortness of breath, or ease fully tired while doing physical activity or sports.

In addition, some people who have hypertension often complain of headaches, chest pain, blurred vision, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. However, generally this symptom will be felt if you have very high blood pressure, which is called a hypertensive crisis.

In addition to the symptoms above, the elderly may experience other symptoms. However, these symptoms can occur when accompanied by other medical conditions. As reported by HealthinAging.org, the older a person is, the possibility of having more than one chronic disease or having one health problem that causes injury or other health problems.

One of the symptoms that may occur, namely swelling of the ankles, feet, hands, arms, and lungs, or what is called peripheral edema. This is often caused by heart failure due to hypertension or a side effect of blood pressure-lowering medications from a doctor.

What are the dangers that need to be aware of hypertension in the elderly?

High blood pressure will increase the risk of a stroke in the elderly. This condition also increases your chances of developing other complications of hypertension, such as kidney damage, heart attack, heart failure, and many other serious health problems if you can't manage blood pressure properly.

High blood pressure can also risk affecting your ability to think and remember. One of the things that might happen in this condition, namely dementia. Dementia causes a person to lose memory, feel confused, mood and personality changes, physical disabilities, and have difficulty living a normal life on a daily basis.

Hypertension in the elderly can be fatal if you take high blood pressure medications without caution. Doctors generally prescribe drugs to lower blood pressure in the elderly slowly. This is done to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension).

A drastic drop in blood pressure can be very dangerous for the elderly. This condition can make the elderly often experience dizziness, body unsteadiness, and the sensation of wanting to faint, making them prone to falling. Falling can lead to fractures or other serious injuries, because the bones of the elderly are already thinning and thinning.

Various ways to control hypertension in the elderly

Unlike young adults, experts define normal blood pressure for the elderly to be kept below 140/90 mmHg. The blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg is classified as having hypertension.

To be able to achieve this target, the elderly need to make lifestyle changes to be healthier. In addition to lowering blood pressure, adopting this lifestyle can also prevent high blood pressure from getting worse.

1. Regular exercise

Exercise can improve heart health and maintain a healthy weight. For the elderly, you are advised to exercise regularly, for at least 30 minutes every day. Do light exercise, such as walking.

2. Pay attention to food intake

Begin to limit the intake of fatty and high salt foods so that hypertension can be prevented in the elderly. Instead, increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains by following the DASH dietary guidelines designed specifically for people with hypertension, including the elderly.

3. Consumption of hypertension drugs

If applying a lifestyle is not enough, the doctor may prescribe hypertension medication to lower blood pressure. However, giving hypertension drugs to the elderly must be careful.

Blood pressure-lowering drugs that are usually given to younger people can actually be dangerous for the elderly. The reason is, high blood pressure medications have side effects that may have a bigger impact on the elderly.

Beta blocker hypertension drugs, such as inderal or toprol Xl (metoprolol), can further slow the heart rate in the elderly.

In addition, combine hypertensive ACE inhibitor drugs, such as lotensin or vasotec (enalapril), with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), such as diovan or true, can also increase the risk of kidney failure and death in the elderly. Generally, these drugs are only used concurrently for certain high systolic blood pressure associated with heart valve disease.

As for hypertension drugs that are generally safe for the elderly, namely diuretics. Diuretics are proven safe for repeated use and are effective for most people with hypertension.

Therefore, always consult your doctor about taking hypertension drugs. The doctor will prescribe the right medication according to your condition.

4. Routinely check blood pressure

Checking blood pressure regularly is also one of the steps to prevent and treat hypertension in the elderly. We recommend that blood checks are not only done at a doctor or health service center.

The risk of developing hypertension can be reduced if you check your blood pressure at home independently, including the elderly. Therefore, consult your doctor about a tensimeter device that is suitable for hypertension in the elderly.

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