Signs of Undiagnosed Hypertension in Elders One of the most common health complaints due to ageing is hypertension in elders. It is commonly called high blood pressure. Do you have an idea of its alarming numbers?
Well, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide have this problem and nearly two-thirds of this affected population live in low and middle-income countries! Sadly, this chronic health issue poses dangerous threats in elderly lives though symptoms may not be obvious. Undiagnosed hypertension is potentially a dangerous silent killer that causes premature deaths. Elevated blood pressure can also lead to serious consequences and permanent impairments including brain stroke and cardiac arrest. Senior care facilities must therefore also focus on this vital health parameter. Athulya Assisted Living, a renowned assisted living facility, has made special endeavours in this context for the well-being of its residents. Apart from customized healthy diet menus, fitness programs and activities tailored to prevailing health conditions, many stress relieving techniques including yoga and meditation for seniors are practised here. It also offers personalized skilled nursing care to elderly patients with hypertension and other health issues with its competent geriatric staff in a homely atmosphere. Currently, one of the major global targets concerning non-communicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by twenty-five percent by the year 2025. Studies also reveal that there is a strong correlation between ageing and stress. The latter happens to be a high risk factor for hypertension. Stages of Hypertension Blood pressure is measured using two parameters-systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The normal values for these are below 120/80 mm Hg (mercury level) respectively. • Stage 1 Hypertension-Systolic pressure ranging between 130 to 139 mm Hg and diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg.
• •
Stage 2 Hypertension-Systolic pressure equal to or higher than 140 mm Hg and diastolic pressure equal to or higher than 90 mm Hg. Hypertensive crisis-When the blood pressure values exceed the threshold 180/120 mm Hg, it is an emergency that calls for immediate medical intervention.
Signs of Undiagnosed Hypertension • Frequent bouts of severe headache • Feeling of light-headedness or dizziness • Presence of small amounts of blood in the urine (also called Haematuria) • Nose bleeding • Shortness of breath • Flushing of the face and blood spots in the eyes • Eyesight problems • Weakness and fatigue • Disturbed sleep • Irregular heartbeats • Anxiety • Chest pain • Muscle tremors Major Complications of Hypertension • Angina or pain in the chest region • Heart attacks occur due to the blockage of blood vessels in the heart • Cardiac failure as the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to other parts of the body • Abnormal heart rates resulting in a sudden fatality • Blockage or bursting of arteries that supply oxygen to the brain leading to stroke • Kidney damage causing permanent kidney failure Treatment of Hypertension Lifestyle changes • Reduce the intake of salt (sodium) to less than five grams per day. • Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. • Maintain a healthy body weight. • Ensure that you are physically active and maintain a regular exercise regime. • Avoid smoking and consumption of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. • Eliminate trans-fat in the meals. • Control the portion size of foods enriched with saturated fats. • Reduce and manage mental stress and anxiety by doing yoga, walking, and spiritual activities and deep breathing techniques, listen to soothing music and socialise with family or friends using technology. • If you need help combating stress, seek professional counselling without hesitation. • Hypertensive elders should regularly monitor the blood pressure levels twice a day. Medications • Diuretics-These medicines aid the kidneys to excrete excess sodium and water from the body to lower blood pressure.
•
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors-By blocking the formation of a natural chemical that narrows the blood vessels, these medicines relax them to reduce the blood pressure. • Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)-The action of the natural chemical in narrowing of the blood vessels is prevented to relax them by using these medicines. • Calcium Channel Blockers-The muscles of the blood vessels are relaxed by these medicines and the heart rate is also lowered. Besides, it is essential to well manage other comorbidities like diabetes as such symptoms and health conditions can impact hypertension significantly. Thus, a few vital steps like close monitoring of blood pressure, healthy habits and timely medical intervention can safeguard our beloved elders from the perils of hypertension.