Blog Hero

Raising High Blood Pressure Threshold for Seniors

Inquire Today

By: Kecia Lilly

Interestingly enough, doctors are now convinced that the proper way to treat the High Blood Pressure (HBP) threshold for seniors is to raise the HBP medication limit. What this means is, while 140/90 is the current indicator for high blood pressure, experts in HBP and hypertension don’t want seniors to be prescribed medication until they hit 150/90.

This all started when the Joint National Committee (JNC) – a group of experts in treating high blood pressure and hypertension – released their newest (eighth) report recommending the change.

Ordinarily, a person is deemed to have high blood pressure if their systolic or “peak” pressure is far higher than their diastolic or “basal” pressure; the way they determine this is if the patient reads 140 (systolic) over 90 (diastolic).

What the experts in the field are now saying is not change 140/90 as the high blood pressure limit, but to make 150/90 for seniors over 60 the point at which they’re prescribed medication. In addition, they’re saying that people under 60 with high blood pressure should not be prescribed anything at all!

As many seniors are already aware, hypertension and high blood pressure put elders at a heightened risk of some of the leading causes of death in American, including heart attacks, kidney failure, and strokes. With this knowledge, the fact that the limit would be raised may seem absurd, but the experts of the JNC have determined that there is no real benefit in lowering blood pressure to 140 than 150.

This recent recommendations are extremely different from the practices that have been applied in the past since if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure, you were told make some lifestyle changes, cuts to your diet, and, of course, given medication. While exercise and cutting back on salty foods will always be beneficial to people with high blood pressure, it’s important to note that that may be all some people need to do.

The experts have also mentioned that being on high blood pressure medication can actually lead to more faints and falls – the number one source of injury in elders. This can be because seniors on HBP medication are also commonly on others and therefore can have some conflicting reactions.

All this said, for those that suffer from Diabetes or kidney disease, the experts recommend medication if their blood pressure is at the current threshold 140/90 due to the fact that that demographic is at a higher risk. Additionally, regardless of your age, if you are currently on HBP medication and your blood pressure has dropped, then they also express that you should maintain that for fear of upsetting the balance.

While this decision, going forward, will affect hundreds of thousands of people (many of whom will no longer need drug therapy), it’s worth noting that it does more than that by placing a larger emphasis on healthy eating and exercise.

Written by
Concierge Care Advisors

More Articles By
Concierge Care Advisors

Why Choose Us

No Cost for Families

Our services are entirely free for families. We are compensated by the senior living community or retirement community we refer to, allowing us to help all families with this important journey at no cost to them.

Boots on the Ground

We thoroughly vet every community and professional we work with, ensuring you receive the quality service you deserve. We set benchmarks that matter and only partner with professionals and communities that meet our high standards.

Personalized Choice

With personal relationships with over 2,200 senior living communities throughout the State of Washington alone, including assisted living communities, retirement communities, and independent living communities, we provide more than 2,000 senior living options.

White-Glove Service

You and your loved ones are our focus. From the moment we meet until the day your loved one moves in, we’re by your side every step of the way to ensure your family has the support it deserves. It doesn’t stop there either – stay connected for physician-informed guidance and knowledge to ensure your loved one is receiving the quality care they need.

Expertise Backed by Our Physicians Advisory Board

At Concierge Care Advisors, our team of Certified Advisors is enhanced by the insights and expertise of our Physicians Advisory Board. This panel of medical professionals plays a crucial role in shaping our senior care and transition services, ensuring they meet the high standards of quality and care that our brand is known for. With their guidance, we deliver a more comprehensive range of services, benefiting both families and healthcare professionals.

Our Physicians Advisory Board members actively share their knowledge with our community. They regularly contribute to #TheSeniorSpotlight Podcast, where they discuss critical topics in senior care, and publish thought leadership articles on our blog and in industry publications. Learn more about our Physician Advisory Board here

These resources are designed to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about care options, equipping them with knowledge and providing peace of mind regarding senior health and living options. 

Listen to our Physician Advisory Board on #TheSeniorSpotlight Podcast

FAMILY RESOURCES

The Top Reviewed Senior Living & Care Company!

We Get It Right
The First Time

Our Testimonials

See what families are saying about
Concierge Care Advisors.

Start Your Journey

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax