If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, also called hypertension, you’re not alone. This chronic condition affects nearly half of U.S. adults and more than 70% of people over 65.
Although common, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. If left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, and other health problems. But it can be manageable with support and the right information.
- What Is High Blood Pressure?
- What Causes High Blood Pressure & Who Is at Risk?
- What Are the Signs & Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
- How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed & Monitored?
- How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
- Managing High Blood Pressure in Seniors: Special Considerations
- High Blood Pressure FAQs
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure means the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is too high, causing your heart to work harder. Over time, this can damage your blood vessels, heart, and other organs.
Blood pressure is measured as two numbers in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The top number is the systolic pressure, measured when your heart beats. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, measured when your heart rests.
Healthy, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Readings above that level fall into these categories:
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Systolic is 120-129 mmHg, and diastolic is below 80 mmHg.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic is 130-139 mmHg OR diastolic is 80-89 mmHg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic is 140 mmHg or higher OR diastolic is over 90 mmHg.
- Severe Hypertension: Systolic is 180 mmHg or higher AND/OR diastolic is over 120 mmHg.
Severe hypertension that develops suddenly is called a hypertensive crisis. It can cause a heart attack, stroke, or organ damage, so it’s critical to call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
What Causes High Blood Pressure & Who Is at Risk?
Primary hypertension—the most common type—develops gradually and generally doesn't have only one cause. High blood pressure risk factors include:
- Age: Arteries naturally stiffen with age, making high blood pressure very common in older adults.
- Race: Black individuals have a higher risk.
- Sex: More men than women develop high blood pressure.
- Family History: High blood pressure often runs in families.
- Diet: High-sodium foods (e.g., fast foods, frozen dinners, cold cuts, and packaged or canned foods) and excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure.
- Weight: Carrying excess weight significantly increases your risk.
- Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to stiffened arteries and poor heart health.
- Smoking: Nicotine raises your heart rate and constricts your blood vessels.
- Chronic Stress: Stress (“fight-or-flight”) hormones raise blood pressure and strain your heart.
Secondary hypertension can be caused by an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, or obstructive sleep apnea. Certain medications can also lead to secondary hypertension, including certain cold medications, some antidepressants, and steroids.
Your healthcare provider is best positioned to assess your individual risk factors for high blood pressure and whether treatment is needed.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms until it causes health consequences. Many people with moderately high blood pressure don’t even know they have it. They may experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath but don’t recognize them as hypertension symptoms, instead attributing them to other causes. That’s why regular blood pressure checks at the doctor’s office and at home are so important.
A hypertensive crisis—that is, sudden, severe high blood pressure—can cause these warning signs, which require immediate attention:
- A severe headache
- Vision changes or blurriness
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
Also seek medical care if you experience sudden confusion, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking. These may indicate a stroke.
How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed & Monitored?
A blood pressure cuff (also called a sphygmomanometer) measures blood pressure by inflating around your arm and briefly stopping blood flow. It records the pressure as blood flow resumes.
Your healthcare provider likely checks your blood pressure at each appointment and records it to track changes. If they notice two or more elevated readings on separate occasions, they may diagnose hypertension and ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home.
Home monitoring is helpful because your doctor can tell whether you need medication or whether your medication is working well. Also, many people have “white coat hypertension,” meaning their blood pressure spikes at the doctor’s office but not at home. Home blood pressure monitoring can give your doctor a more accurate picture of how your blood pressure changes throughout the day.
If you buy a home blood pressure monitor for yourself or a loved one, choose one with an upper-arm cuff because these are more accurate. Make sure the display is clear and easy to read. When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.
How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
For most seniors, hypertension is best managed with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Medications
Your doctor may recommend one or more of these blood pressure medications, depending on your risk and overall health:
- Diuretics (commonly called “water pills”) remove excess sodium and water from your body, reducing fluid in your blood and lowering pressure on your artery walls.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) help relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily at lower pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers and beta blockers widen blood vessels and reduce your heart's workload.
Seniors often take multiple medications, and it’s easy to miss a dose or take them at the wrong time. You or your caregiver can organize medications in a pill box or set timers or reminders so you stay consistent and on track.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy habits are the foundation for high blood pressure management and prevention:
- Follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is naturally low in sodium. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice; lean proteins such as fish or chicken; and low-fat dairy foods.
- Decrease sodium consumption by eating mostly fresh, whole foods and limiting packaged or prepared meals and snacks. Read food labels and choose foods with less than 140 mg of sodium per serving. An ideal daily target is about 1,500 mg.
- Stay active and aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. Walking, water aerobics, or using a stationary bike are great options for senior health.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking. Quitting these habits will quickly lower blood pressure.
- Manage stress by meditating, journaling, practicing yoga, or building social connections with friends and family.
- Stay hydrated. Most seniors should aim for 60 ounces of water or other unsweetened beverages each day to avoid dehydration.
- Be mindful of weight fluctuations (which can signal underlying health conditions), and take a proactive approach to managing weight with age.
Managing High Blood Pressure in Seniors: Special Considerations
Certain blood pressure problems are more common in older adults and warrant special attention to keep you or your loved one safe and healthy. These include:
Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Isolated systolic hypertension occurs when the top number (systolic) is 130 mmHg or higher, but the bottom number (diastolic) is less than 80 mmHg. It’s the most common type of high blood pressure in older adults and is caused by age-related arterial stiffening.
An elevated systolic blood pressure reading is linked to a much higher risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, and other serious health problems, so medication adherence and a healthy diet and lifestyle are essential.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up after sitting or lying down. It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, putting you or your loved one at risk of falling. Seniors taking certain blood pressure medications or who are dehydrated are especially prone.
It’s important to tell your doctor if this happens frequently. Seniors should always stay hydrated and rise slowly from sitting or lying down. Plant your feet firmly on the floor and take a second to make sure you feel steady before moving.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Blood Pressure
Does blood pressure naturally increase with age?
Blood pressure generally increases with age, primarily because blood vessels stiffen and can’t dilate as easily when blood flows through them. Risk factors such as a family history or health conditions like diabetes further increase your risk as you age.
Can stress and anxiety cause high blood pressure?
Stress and anxiety raise blood pressure because your body produces “fight-or-flight” hormones that speed up your heart rate and constrict your blood vessels. Frequent or long-term stress may damage your blood vessels or heart.
What is the main cause of high blood pressure in seniors?
The main cause of high blood pressure in seniors is age-related changes in the blood vessels, which make the arteries thicker, stiffer, and less elastic, so they can’t expand and contract as easily.
How BrightStar Care® Supports Seniors with Hypertension
High blood pressure is a serious health condition, especially for seniors, but it’s manageable with healthy habits and the right support. BrightStar Care’s in-home skilled nurses and caregivers can help with DASH diet meal planning and preparation, blood pressure monitoring, medication reminders, personal care assistance, and more. If you or a loved one needs help managing high blood pressure or any chronic health condition, our care teams are here to help.
Whether you're looking for in-home care services for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call 866-618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.