Having high blood pressure is a common condition for many elderly individuals. Almost a third of older adults have high blood pressure but unfortunately, many of them don’t know. Without routine blood pressure checks (which are completely painless and easy), your loved one could be living with this disease also known as the silent killer. A care provider who is experienced with different medical conditions care can assist with making adjustments.
Why Blood Pressure Matters
Normal blood flow delivers oxygen to all of the body’s key organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It supplies them with the nutrients that they need to function at full capacity. And while it’s perfectly normal for blood pressure to go up and down during the day due to activity and eating, if it stays continually elevated, it can cause harm to those essential organs.
When a person’s blood pressure is consistently too high, it will cause the heart to work too hard and eventually lose strength. The non-stop high force of blood through the veins can damage blood vessels, leading to weaker, narrower, and stiffer vessels. High blood pressure can even negatively affect the health of your loved one’s eyes, kidneys, and brain.
Steps to Take to Keep Blood Pressure Down
If your loved one is diagnosed with high blood pressure, there are steps he’ll be able to take to help manage his blood pressure and keep it at a safe level for his body. If he has other health conditions as well, such as diabetes, he might find it beneficial to have a medical conditions provider who can assist him in implementing several lifestyle changes as well as managing his medication. By sharing your loved one’s health conditions with his medical conditions provider, a custom-fit health plan can be made just for him.
Four Areas to Focus on for Better Blood Pressure
Diet. Your loved one should strive for a heart-healthy diet that is also low in sodium. As he’s aged, his body has become more sensitive to sodium, which could negatively affect his blood pressure. A medical conditions provider can help your loved one with meals and snacks that meet his doctor’s recommendations for sodium intake, as well as saturated fats and sugar.
Exercise. Even moderate daily exercise can help to lower blood pressure levels. The general goal is to have at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Have your loved one speak with his doctor about what type of exercise and how much is best for him. He may need to start slow and work his way up to more consistent and strenuous exercise.
Eliminate Bad Health Habits. To help him manage his high blood pressure, your loved one should strive to quit any unhealthy habits that may be harming his body such as smoking, vaping, or drinking excessively. Even after a lifetime of these habits, quitting now can help your loved one be healthier.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep. When a person sleeps, his body will naturally reduce the blood pressure, allowing organs to rest a bit and reducing the pressure on blood vessels. The body needs rest to manage the hormone levels that control blood pressure. Good sleep can also reduce stress, which is known to elevate blood pressure levels.
With proper care and support, your loved one can manage his high blood pressure.
Source: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/01/blood-pressure-matters
If you or an aging loved one are considering Medical Conditions Services in Monroeville PA, please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, and Squirrel Hill.
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