How to Reduce High Blood Pressure in Seniors

New Diet Plan, Lower Sodium Intake, Aerobic Exercise, Stop Smoking

Apr 23, 2009
Asa Ghaffar

High Blood Pressure - U.S. Government

Find out how to reduce blood pressure through a change of lifestyle. Primary hypertension can be helped by a new diet plan, reduced sodium intake and aerobic exercise.

The American Heart Association believes that as many as 1 in 3 American adults has high blood pressure. Many don't realise that they have primary hypertension which is why it is often referred to as "the silent killer". Serious health consequences of this condition include strokes, heart disease,atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) and kidney failure.

It is essential to make fundamental lifestyle changes once diagnosed with primary hypertension, including a better diet plan, reduced sodium intake, engaging in more aerobic exercise and choosing to stop smoking. Patients with high blood pressure should always seek medical advice from a doctor as drugs, such as Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, can be prescribed.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

The most obvious high blood pressure symptoms in seniors include blurred vision, dizziness and headaches. It is essential that all seniors get a full medical check-up on a regular basis as the symptoms of primary hypertension are often difficult to identify. It is a well known fact that the incidence of this medical condition increases exponentially with age.

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

Aerobic exercise. Involvement in regular exercise helps the heart and body of seniors to function more efficiently. June Davison, cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Incorporating physical activity into your working day will help - use the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus one stop earlier, or park the car away from the office, so that you walk some of the way to work".
Lose weight. Consuming more calories than the body expends will result in obesity. A change of diet plan, incorporating a reduction in calories, will help people to lose weight.
Diet plan. Individuals with high blood pressure should switch to a diet plan that is rich in fruit and vegetables, but low in saturated fat. Seniors may wish to consult a nutritionist for expert advice.
Reduce sodium intake. The consumption of salt can cause or exacerbate high blood pressure. The National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine suggested a sodium intake of no more than 2,400 mg per day.
Stop smoking. The inhalation of smoke causes damage to blood vessel walls and hardens the arteries.
Drink less alcohol. Current US guidelines recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage for women and two for men.

Drugs that Lower Blood Pressure

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. This works by limiting the amount of angiotensin II produced in the bloodstream. As this chemical causes the blood vessels to constrict, limiting it's production helps those with high blood pressure.
Calcium-channel blockers. This medication affects the way calcium is used in blood vessels, thus helping them to relax.
Beta-blockers. These slow down the heart rate and help to lower blood pressure.
Diuretics. These reduce the amount of fluid being circulated and relaxes blood vessels.

Unlike natural methods, drugs that help to deal with high blood pressure have a variety of side-effects. However, it is better to suffer the side-effects than to have a stroke or heart attack. All seniors should visit their doctor if a recent check-up hasn't taken place before starting any high blood pressure "self treatment".

Disclaimer: Always remember to consult the family doctor for a full health check-up prior to taking any supplements, or engaging in any physical exercise, particularly if over-weight or there is a pre-existing medical condition.

Seniors may wish to read more about dealing with knee pain, developing an exercise programme or how to improve poor blood circulation.