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High blood pressure is often referred to as "silent killer" because it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood against the wall of an artery is too high. Unfortunately, the risk of high blood pressure increases with age, which makes it particularly common in the elderly. Aggressive treatment could improve outcomes for older people based on the latest findings.
New research suggests that aggressive treatment of blood pressure can improve brain function and reduce heart risks in the elderly. This means that a tighter control of blood pressure can improve outcomes in older people.
Reducing blood pressure to lower levels could have major benefits for people with high blood pressure and at risk for heart attacks.
Intensive blood pressure monitoring involves taking medication so that the patient's systolic pressure exceeds 120 mmHg.
Systolic pressure is the measurement in the blood vessels when the heart beats. Targeting people with systolic blood pressure less than 120 mmHg can reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease.
A recent study conducted by the American College of Cardiology and titled SPRINT compared standard or aggressive treatment of high blood pressure in the elderly.
The study included 199 participants who took blood pressure medication for a total of three years, while the researchers followed key findings including brain function and heart risk.
After three years, imaging had shown that participants in the more aggressive treatment group had fewer brain lesions than those in the less aggressive treatment group.
Dr. William B. White, professor of medicine at the Calhoun Heart Center at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and the study's lead researchers, said about the study: 40% over a period only three years old.
"This is very important clinically and in the long term, an intensive reduction in ambulatory blood pressure will also have a significant impact on the functioning of the elderly.
"In addition, this benefit would likely be magnified in people with more severe or longer-lasting hypertension."
Overall, an aggressive approach reduces the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications by almost a third compared to standard treatment.
You must look for the symptoms of high blood pressure, including:
- Severe headache
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood in the urine
- Fatigue or confusion
- View problems
- Irregular heart rhythm
Anyone can develop high blood pressure and if you live with this disease, you should always know your blood pressure level by investing in a blood pressure monitor.
You should also understand your risks and symptoms and always try to make healthier choices in your life, such as taking your medications and communicating openly with your doctor.
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