Ageing and High Blood Pressure: Is it Inevitable?

Lifetime risk of High Blood Pressure

As per several studies conducted, probability of hypertension rises with increasing age. For instance, as per one research, hypertension affects about half of the older population belonging to age group of 60-69. And statistics of high blood pressure by age 70 and beyond was about 75%.

Secondly, as per recent reports by Framingham Heart Study investigators, the lifetime risk of high blood pressure in men and women of age 80-85 years, who were non-hypertensive at the age of 55 or 65 years, was about 90%.

Also, as per research, women are found to have steeper rise in blood pressure, starting in their 30s and continuing throughout life. Additionally, the hormonal changes after menopause increase the risk of heart disease for women. Therefore it is crucial for women to be active at any age & follow a healthy lifestyle throughout.

Why it happens?

The scientific reason behind the development of high blood pressure with increasing age is quite straightforward. As you grow older, the vascular system changes which includes the heart and blood vessels. The elastic tissues in arteries reduce making them stiffer and less compliant which thereby results in an increase in your blood pressure.

Apart from this, other factors that can cause rise in blood pressure includes genetic factors, certain lifestyle factors, co-morbidities, and medication-related factors. Lifestyle factors include physical inactivity, obesity, less sleep, smoking and alcohol consumption. Common medical conditions that can lead to hypertension include sleep apnea & kidney disease.

Monitoring Blood Pressure

Monitoring blood pressure regularly is important as you can have high blood pressure and not know it. You may not experience any symptoms until there’s health emergency, such as a stroke or heart attack.

A healthy and normal blood pressure is where the systolic blood pressure (the top number) is less than 120 and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is less than 80.

When the systolic blood pressure is 120 to 120 and diastolic blood pressure is higher than 80, it is considered elevated and anything above this is considered hypertension.

It is recommended that patients with hypertension should monitor and record their blood pressure at home daily.

Risk factors you can change

While most factors that contribute to developing hypertension are beyond your control, by making certain lifestyle changes you can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. This includes:

1. Limit sodium intake

Before buying processed food items, check the nutritional labels because they contain a lot of sodium. Also, limit your salt consumption. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends less than 2.3gms of sodium per day for all adults.

2. Limit alcohol consumption

No more than 2 drinks a day for men and one for women.

3. Weight management

Monitoring and controlling weight is important as obesity is an independent risk factor for high blood pressure.

4. Regular physical activity

Exercising daily or doing aerobic exercises for 90 to 150 minutes per week not only helps you stay active, but it also reduces the risk of hypertension.

5. Get enough sleep

Adults need at least 7 hours or more of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation or getting less than 6 hours of sound sleep at night, can increase your blood pressure. Consult your doctor for sleep apnea.

6. Regular health check-ups

Monitoring your health regularly can reduce the risk of developing various forms of diseases and keep you physically & mentally fit.