Learn About Blood Pressure in Older Adults
It is important, as a family caregiver, to better understand blood pressure in older adults. It is important to understand the difference between systolic (first number) and diastolic (second number), too. A home health care services provider can help with this.
Home Health Care in Headland AL: Blood Pressure
Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
As noted above, it is vital to understand the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure is the pressure of the heart contracting while it pushes out blood. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure that occurs when the heart relaxes and fills up with blood again. Blood pressure is the systolic number over the diastolic number.
Low Blood Pressure
Your elderly loved one might have low blood pressure if they feel faint, dizzy, weak, or lightheaded. Generally, low blood pressure is classified as 90 over 60 or lower. There are many things that can cause low blood pressure including blood loss, dehydration, medical conditions, and some medications. If your elderly loved one doesn’t have a diagnosis of low blood pressure yet, but they are experiencing these symptoms mentioned here, be sure that you or an in-home care provider bring them to their doctor to discuss this.
Normal Blood Pressure
If your elderly loved one is healthy, they may have normal blood pressure. Generally, the normal blood pressure for elderly adults is considered to be 120 over 80 or right around these numbers. Some healthy elderly adults have a blood pressure of 125/70, for example. That is still considered to be normal.
Elevated Blood Pressure
Your elderly loved one may not have high blood pressure, but their numbers could be elevated. The elevated blood pressure levels are generally around 120 to 129 and a diastolic of under 80.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most damaging levels. Generally, high blood pressure is considered to be 130 or above for systolic and 80 or above for diastolic. If your elderly loved one feels their heart racing or they just don’t feel right, you or an in-home care provider may want to check their blood pressure. If they have high blood pressure on repeated occasions, it may be a good idea to have them see their doctor for a physical or checkup.
Conclusion
Hopefully, with this information, you have learned more about blood pressure in older adults. The more you know about this subject, the more you can keep an eye on your elderly loved one’s blood pressure. If, at any point, you are concerned with the numbers on a blood pressure reading for your elderly loved one, give their doctor a call or take them to the emergency room (if it is too high or too low). Sometimes, it is something minor like dehydration, but other times it can be serious.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Headland, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure-and-older-adults