Hypertension in the Elderly

Basically, all those potentially affected by hypertension. Not only the young, the elderly are also affected by hypertension bias.   In countries that have developed in the field of medicine, as well as in countries that are rapidly evolving, the percentage of elderly is increasing. Along with age, blood pressure increases. Framingham data were known throughout the world shows that 27% of people under the age of 60, blood pressure higher than 140/90 and 20% of those suffering from hypertension with the number 160/100.   Meanwhile, seniors over the age of 80 years, 75% had hypertension (higher than 140/90 and 60% achieved a 160/100 or higher. Only 7% of people aged over 80 years of normal blood pressure, as reported by Robert E. Kowalski through books Hypertension Therapy.   Many doctors still believe that aggressive therapy in the elderly is not productive. Only a few of the elderly were willing to undergo medical provided. Some doctors say they do not want to ask for elderly patients to make lifestyle changes, but very loved if cases of hypertension that can still be handled not done.   With these data, we must be vigilant and keep your intake of foods early on. Other than that, get used to a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid various diseases in the future.

Recognizing the emergence of Hypertension

Based on the cause, there are two kinds of hypertension, namely:
A. Primary Hypertension
Primary hypertension is defined as hypertension caused by environmental    conditions such as heredity, unbalanced lifestyle, crowds, stress, and jobs. Attitudes that can lead to hypertension such as high consumption of fat, salt, low activity, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption. The majority of primary hypertensions caused by stress factors.
B. Secondary Hypertension
The hypertension is caused by renal, endocrine, and stiffness of the aorta.
Actually, there are several causes of hypertension are often not known to us and feel of hypertension comes by itself. Therefore, the following is the cause of hypertensions, which are organized into two categories:

1. The cause of hypertension that we cannot  control.

• Age
  Research shows that as people grow aged, blood pressure will rise. You cannot  expect that your blood pressure will be the same as young as you get aged. However, you can control so as not to pass the upper limit of normal.
• Descent
  If someone has a parent or sibling who has hypertension, then it is likely he suffered from hypertension greater. Statistics show that the problem of hypertension is higher in identical twins than identical twins are not. A study showed that there is evidence derived genes for hypertension problem.

2. The cause of hypertension in our control

• Cholesterol
  Excess fat in your blood, it can cause cholesterol deposits in blood vessel walls. It can make blood vessels constrict, and blood pressure will increase as a result. Control your cholesterol as early as possible. For tips on controlling cholesterol, please see the following article: cholesterol.
• CigaretteSmoking can also increase blood pressure to be high. Smoking habits may increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Therefore, smoking habits continued when having high blood pressure, is a very dangerous combination that will trigger diseases related to heart and blood diseases.
• Salt
  Salt can increase blood pressure in some people quickly, especially for diabetics, people with mild hypertension, people with old age, and those who were black.
• CaffeineCaffeine is found in coffee, tea and cola drinks cause hypertension.
• AlcoholExcessive alcohol consumption also causes hypertension.
• Obesity / Overweight
  People who have a body weight above 30 percent ideal body weight, are more likely to suffer from hypertension.
• Stress
  Stress and emotionally unstable conditions can also trigger hypertension.
• Poor Sports
  Lack of exercise and movement can cause increased blood pressure in the body. Regular exercise can lower your high blood pressure but do not do heavy exercise if you suffer from hypertension.

Well, that was a glimpse of the causes of hypertension, which can certainly be a reference you in maintaining health.

Recognizing Hypertension in Our Bodies

Blood pressure was measured according to the duty cycle of the heart. The highest pressure, occurs when the heart contracts, called the systolic pressure. Lowest pressure, occurs when the heart relaxes in phase, called the diastolic pressure. The results of blood pressure measurement is expressed in systolic and diastolic pressure, for example: 120/80 mmHg. The magnitude of systolic and diastolic blood pressure are equally useful for determining the type of hypertension that occurs and how to handle it.
Normal blood pressure in adult humans is below 120/80 mm / Hg. Generally, blood pressure above 140/90 is considered high. Someone recently said to have hypertension if the two measurements by clinicians consistently show blood pressure above 140/90.

Primary and Secondary Hypertension

In general, high blood pressure were classified according to the cause. High blood pressure is not known why it is called primary or essential hypertension. Hypertension is usually associated with genes or are descendants. Approximately 90-95 percent of cases of high blood pressure is the primary. High blood pressure is caused by another disease or condition is called secondary hypertension. For example, renovascular hypertension caused by kidney disease.
 

Dangers of hypertension

hypertension is a dangerous condition. If not managed properly, high blood pressure can eventually cause the heart to work too hard so seriously damaged. For example, the heart muscle to thicken (hypertrophy) and abnormal functioning or pumping less powerful. High blood pressure can also cause damage to the brain, eyes and kidneys. In these organs are soft arterial tissue is easily damaged by high pressure.

 Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Approximately half of the people who had a heart attack and two-thirds of people affected by stroke is hypertension. In general, hypertension can not be cured but can be managed and controlled with diet and medication.

Prevalence

At the age of under 55 years, hypertension affects more men. After menopause (which generally occurs at the age of 50-an), the risk of hypertension in women increased, mainly due to the reduction of certain hormones. At age 75, hypertension diidap more women than men.

 During pregnancy, some women may be exposed to high blood pressure, even when previously they did not have it. Gestational hypertension is believed to increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke in elderly women. Pre-eclampsia, a condition associated with high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine of pregnant women, is one of the major causes of maternal and infant mortality in Indonesia.

 

Signs and symptoms

Most people with hypertension are not aware of its presence. If there are symptoms, the patient may experience the following complaints:

·         Fatigue

·         Confused

·         Stomach nausea

·         Vision problems

·         Excessive sweating

·         Pale or red skin

·         Nosebleed

·         Anxious or restless

·         Hard heartbeat or irregular (palpation)

·         Voice ringing in the ears

·         Erectile Dysfunction

·         Headache

·         Dizziness

·         Treatment

 Hypertensive treatment depends on the severity and cause. Patients with primary hypertension with blood pressure above 140/90 would probably get the drugs controller. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to control their blood pressure, including:

·         Stop smoking. In addition to numerous other health problems, smoking also increases blood pressure.

·         Losing weight. Weight reduction can quickly reduce high blood pressure and ease the work of the heart.

·         Taking vitamins and minerals in sufficient quantities. Research shows vitamin C is beneficial to keep the arteries stay flexible. Vitamin E, B, potassium, magnesium and calcium are also useful to maintain blood pressure.

·         Regular aerobic exercise. Regularity of exercise is more important than instensitasnya. Excessive exercise can be harmful to your heart health. Ask your doctor before you start sports activities.

·         Reduce salt intake to a maximum of 2 grams per day.

·         Managing emotions to reduce stress, relax, pursue hobbies, social activities and sufficient rest.