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I Am A 87 Year Old Male Not Taking Any
Question: I am a 87 year old male not taking any prescription drugs for any reason. My blood test all shoe a healthy person with all points of interest within normal range. My blood pressure has become variable ranging from 150's to 180's . Just what is normal for a 87 year old and how can one stabilize ones blood pressure?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on -Ask a Doctor- service!
I understand your concern and would like to explain that the targets for an individual older than 80 years old has changed recently: from a systolic blood pressure target of 140 - 150 mmHg to actually 130 - 139 mmHg.
Coming to this point several practical measures such as life-style modification, a healthy diet, daily salt intake control and even anti-hypertensive therapy would be helpful.
As a general rule it is recommended to initiate anti-hypertensive treatment with a two-drug combination.
After checking your blood pressure values frequently for a couple of days (several times daily) you should refer those values to our attending doctor and discuss the above mentioned issues on the opportunity of initiating an appropriate anti-hypertensive treatment.
Hop you will find this answer helpful!
In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on -Ask a Doctor- service!
I understand your concern and would like to explain that the targets for an individual older than 80 years old has changed recently: from a systolic blood pressure target of 140 - 150 mmHg to actually 130 - 139 mmHg.
Coming to this point several practical measures such as life-style modification, a healthy diet, daily salt intake control and even anti-hypertensive therapy would be helpful.
As a general rule it is recommended to initiate anti-hypertensive treatment with a two-drug combination.
After checking your blood pressure values frequently for a couple of days (several times daily) you should refer those values to our attending doctor and discuss the above mentioned issues on the opportunity of initiating an appropriate anti-hypertensive treatment.
Hop you will find this answer helpful!
In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Did you really mean that the recommended blood pressure levels for over 80 has been REDUCED to 130. That is contrary to everything i have heard. All of your suggestions I have been practicing for some time . My problem is really a spiking of the blood pressure to high levels then reducing down in time much like "white coat " raising of blood pressure then slowly reducing down again. or another way of saying my pressure has been erratic. Are there solutions to a problem like this that do not require Drugs? At 87 blood pressure drugs can have problems of there own.
Brief Answer:
My opinon as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I understand your concern and would explain that some isolated spikes of blood pressure, due to anxiety or White Coat syndrome, do not need to be treated, as they do not cause any harm to your body.
But, persistent high blood pressure values through the day, may lead to chronic changes to the heart and blood vessels, leading to an increased cardio-vascular risk (increased risk for stroke or a heart attack).
I referred to the the XXXXXXX heart association guidelines, when talking about the target of blood pressure values at your age.
But, there is no need to panic.
Some natural ways to lower your blood pressure values would be:
- reduce maximally salt and caffeine intake in your diet
- try to loose some weight if you are overweight
- be active and perform regular physical activity (Yoga, walking, recreational sports, etc.)
- some foods like garlic or lemon juice can help reduce naturally blood pressure.
It is also necessary to closely monitor your blood pressure values frequently in the next days (in sitting position after 10minutes of total relax).
If your blood pressure values are above the normal ranges, even after following the above lifestyle modifications, starting anti-hypertensive therapy may be needed.
And please don't worry about the adverse effects, because when starting in low doses, antihypertensive drugs are well tolerated even in patients of your age.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My opinon as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I understand your concern and would explain that some isolated spikes of blood pressure, due to anxiety or White Coat syndrome, do not need to be treated, as they do not cause any harm to your body.
But, persistent high blood pressure values through the day, may lead to chronic changes to the heart and blood vessels, leading to an increased cardio-vascular risk (increased risk for stroke or a heart attack).
I referred to the the XXXXXXX heart association guidelines, when talking about the target of blood pressure values at your age.
But, there is no need to panic.
Some natural ways to lower your blood pressure values would be:
- reduce maximally salt and caffeine intake in your diet
- try to loose some weight if you are overweight
- be active and perform regular physical activity (Yoga, walking, recreational sports, etc.)
- some foods like garlic or lemon juice can help reduce naturally blood pressure.
It is also necessary to closely monitor your blood pressure values frequently in the next days (in sitting position after 10minutes of total relax).
If your blood pressure values are above the normal ranges, even after following the above lifestyle modifications, starting anti-hypertensive therapy may be needed.
And please don't worry about the adverse effects, because when starting in low doses, antihypertensive drugs are well tolerated even in patients of your age.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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