Questions around HBP

Getting a blood pressure check is common practice for any medical exam. Regularly monitoring your blood pressure can help predict your stroke risk and heart disease. 

Older adults tend to run higher blood pressure than younger people. But is it okay to let blood pressure creep up as we age?

If you are in the senior category, you may wonder about the acceptable blood pressure ranges for the elderly. If so, keep reading as we explain everything you need to know about healthy blood pressure for older adults.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Knowing if your BP numbers are good or bad is vital information when developing your medical treatment plan. The ultimate goal of monitoring your blood pressure is consistently achieving acceptable blood pressure readings. 

Blood pressure measures the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels. There are 2 measurements to a blood pressure reading- diastolic and systolic. Both numbers are essential clues to your heart’s health. 

Blood pressure readings display one number on top of a second number, such as 120/78. Systolic blood pressure readings are the top number of your BP. Diastolic is the second (or bottom) number in the measurement.

For acceptable blood pressure in elderly persons, both systolic and diastolic numbers should be in the healthy range.

For optimum heart health, your provider will also check your heart rate. Your heart rate is measured by counting the number of heartbeats in one minute. You will only have one reading for heart rate measurement, such as 86.

Together, these 2 types of appraisals will give your doctor a picture of your heart’s health.

Understanding Systolic Blood Pressure

Systolic blood measurement is the highest pressure in your arteries as your heart beats (contracts). It is the first number that is detected when your BP is taken.

Heart disease typically can cause elevated systolic BP. A high systolic reading means your heart may be working overtime to pump blood. This excess exertion can cause a strain on your heart. 

Also, systolic blood pressure tends to rise with age as your vessels become less elastic. It is for this reason that blood pressure in elderly patients may be a bit higher and more difficult to control.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Diastolic blood pressure is measuring your heart pressure at rest. This vital portion of your BP reading is, at times, overlooked by medical professionals. However, it is equally important as the systolic measurement.

Both systolic and diastolic measurements must be in the acceptable blood pressure ranges for optimal heart function.

Printable Blood Pressure Chart

When monitoring your BP, keeping a blood pressure guidelines chart on hand is a helpful reference to have. A visual blood pressure resource can serve as a baseline to keep you on track with your health goals. Follow the instructions below to print out your free blood pressure chart: 

How to Print The Blood Pressure Chart

  • Click “Print Chart” below
  • This will pop-out the article to a print screen. Print the article by clicking the printer icon in the upper right of your screen
Print Chart
Blood pressure chart

In the past, you may have seen charts that illustrate average blood pressure guidelines with categories by age. There were blood pressure charts for seniors that detailed the gradual increase in BP as we age. The recommendation for acceptable blood pressure for the elderly was loosened due to the inevitable advanced creep in BP.

However, in 2017, The American Heart Association and other leading cardiac associations adopted new guidelines for high blood pressure. The golden standard for normal blood pressure was lowered, and the elderly no longer were permitted a pass on their elevated BP numbers. 

The new stricter blood pressure guidelines meant that achieving optimal blood pressure for all adults would be a challenge. This tight goal would be especially difficult for older adults.

Normal Blood Pressure

The general guideline by the American Heart Association for normal blood pressure is 120/80. There no longer is a separate blood pressure chart for seniors although blood pressure tends to be slightly higher if you are an older adult.

Your provider is likely to follow the guidelines of the American Heart Association. This gold standard for acceptable blood pressure for all adults is 120/80. 

Elevated Blood Pressure

According to the American Heart Association guidelines, elevated blood pressure is any systolic reading between 120 and 129. The diastolic pressure remains normal (<80). This condition may be termed pre-hypertension or borderline hypertension.

One slightly elevated blood pressure reading does not necessarily indicate heart disease. However, your provider will want to keep track of any upward trends in blood pressure.

Higher elevations in blood pressure are termed hypertension and are graded by stages 1 through 4.

Although your provider will monitor your heart rate along with your blood pressure, these 2 distinct measurements do not necessarily deviate from the norm in tandem. In other words, you can have high blood pressure and a normal heart rate in one sitting. Having an abnormal reading of one without the other is still a red flag for heart disease.

Hypertension Stage 1

High blood pressure readings that are greater than the acceptable range may be diagnosed as hypertension. This determination is typically given after 3 consecutive high readings. 

Stage 1 hypertension is when systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 139. Diastolic pressure may be normal or between 80-89. If either the systolic or diastolic readings are within these elevated ranges, it is considered to be Stage 1 hypertension.

Regardless of age, hypertension diagnosing guidelines are the same. Your provider will likely initiate a treatment plan to try to decrease your BP if you have stage 1 hypertension.

Although blood pressure and heart rate are controlled separately, there are instances where they both may rise together. For example, you may experience elevated blood pressure and heart rate when exercising. 

However, it is not common to have increased blood pressure along with a high heart rate. An elevated pulse is more likely with low blood pressure.

Hypertension Stage 2

As systolic blood pressure creeps past 140 or the diastolic measurement is 90 or higher, hypertension is classified as stage 2. 

Achieving healthy blood pressure ranges is still possible at this stage, although more aggressive treatment may be initiated.

Hypertensive Crisis

When blood pressure reaches 180/120, it is considered to be hypertensive crisis. If either the systolic or diastolic numbers are within this range, you will need urgent medical attention. 

Your provider will likely institute emergency treatment quickly to try to achieve normal blood pressure to decrease the strain on your heart.

Hypertension Treatment Through Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring

Is remote blood pressure monitoring worth it? Through remote blood pressure monitoring with CopilotIQ, you can be assured that you are not alone in your treatment. With this service, nurses and technology will actively monitor your blood pressure from afar. You can rest easy, knowing that medical professionals doubled with technological backup actively oversee your blood pressure.

How Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Works

Remote blood pressure monitoring (RPM) involves patients taking their blood pressure and pulse from the comfort of their own homes. Remote blood pressure monitoring’s popularity has grown over the past few years and many seniors with high blood pressure are choosing CopilotIQ for these reasons. 

You will be provided with easy-to-use equipment to measure your BP and pulse. These vital measurements are then electronically transmitted to a clinician who analyzes the data. You even have a nurse assigned to you for questions and medical guidance.

With remote monitoring, you do not need to travel to your provider for frequent blood pressure checks. Additionally, BP and pulse measurements are taken much more often than with traditional doctor visits.

Regular medical monitoring at a higher frequency leads to a better picture of your heart health.

Remote blood pressure monitoring is a state-of-the-art yet personalized approach to achieving optimal blood pressure. 

Connected With Continuity of Care

At times, seniors may feel disconnected from their medical providers. This separation can erode the quality of their medical care over time. With CopilotIQ, you receive regular and frequent personalized health monitoring that helps to keep you connected with your medical team and in control of your health.

The CopilotIQ team collaborates with your providers to achieve world-class continuity of care. This merger of medical professionals will ensure that your best interest is at the heart of your treatment plan.

If you or a loved one are seeking a convenient and effective solution to controlling blood pressure, CopilotIQ is happy to help. Feel free to reach out for a personalized consultation.

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References:

  1. Andonian N. Systolic vs. Diastolic Blood Pressure: What Your Numbers Mean. GoodRX 2022.
  2. Solan M. A Look at Diastolic Blood Pressure. Harvard Health 2022. 
  3. Heart.org. Blood Pressure Fact Sheets. American Heart Association.
  4. Reading the New Blood Pressure Guidelines 2021. Harvard Health. 
  5. Kogut E. What Are the New Blood Pressure Guidelines for Seniors. Senior Strong 2023.
  6. Lee A. Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: What’s the Difference? VeryWell Health 2022.
  7. Mayo Clinic Staff. High Blood Pressure. Mayo Clinic 2022.
  8. Heart Rate vs. Blood Pressure: What’s the Difference? Beaufort Memorial 2022.

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