Recognize and Understand Blood Pressure Problems in the Elderly

Hypertension or what is often called high blood pressure is a health problem that needs to be very careful, including in the elderly. The elderly group sometimes often complains of hypertension because it is a cause that cannot be controlled as they get older.

If left untreated, high blood pressure in the elderly can cause stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize early the causes of hypertension that occurs in the elderly as well as how to prevent it appropriately.

Reported by several health sources, generally the cause of hypertension in the elderly comes from changes in the condition of the blood vessels in old age, including the heart. Arteries become harder and no longer elastic as we age.

This condition can cause the blood vessels to become stiffer so that the heart's performance in pumping blood becomes more difficult. As a result, blood pressure will increase.

Another cause of hypertension in the elderly, especially women, is hormonal changes after menopause. Decreased levels of the hormone estrogen can cause the arteries to become hardened and tense, making blood pressure susceptible to increases that can sometimes become uncontrollable.

There are many other factors that cause hypertension in the elderly besides increasing age, including hereditary factors, kidney disease, sleep apnea, unhealthy eating patterns, foods lacking in fiber, high in fat and salt.

Apart from that, consuming excessive alcohol, smoking, lack of movement and rarely exercising, obesity, lack of sleep and excessive stress. The combination of these factors can potentially greatly increase the chances of elderly people developing hypertension.

Prevent hypertension in the elderly

The age factor can be a cause of hypertension in the elderly, but several preventive measures can be taken. The method can be started from a young age.

Here are several ways to prevent hypertension in the elderly as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine:

1. Lose weight if it is still above ideal

2. If your body weight is ideal but your stomach is bloated, reduce it naturally and with a healthy lifestyle.

3. Avoid drinking alcohol

4. Must be active

5. Regularly exercise at least 30 minutes a week five times

6. Consume foods high in calcium, magnesium and potassium but minimal in bad fats such as low-fat milk and yogurt, roasted nuts without flavors or added salt.

7. Avoid fried foods, cheese, butter, fatty meat, various sauces, processed foods, preservatives, instant foods, fast foods because they are high in salt, sodium and bad fats

8. Stop smoking and avoid exposure to the smoke

9. Manage stress

10. Get enough and quality sleep at least six hours every night.

Hypertension does not have specific characteristics and often resembles other diseases so that many people cannot feel the symptoms. How to reduce the risk of hypertension in the elderly by carrying out regular health checks, including measuring blood pressure.