Low blood pressure in elderly people.
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a common condition among elderly people. Although low blood pressure often does not cause such obvious symptoms as high blood pressure, its consequences are very significant. As a geriatrician, I have long grown accustomed to many elderly individuals and their relatives proudly saying that their blood pressure is 110/80, like cosmonauts, completely unaware that there is nothing to be proud of here.
Studying the causes of low blood pressure and the consequences of this phenomenon in the elderly will help us significantly improve their well-being at this age. Let’s go?
Causes of low blood pressure in old age.
I must divide the state of low blood pressure in the elderly into two groups.
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Hypotension in a dying, fading person.
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Low blood pressure in a person who is quite active and vigorous.
First, let’s talk about people who fall into the second group above. One of the main causes of hypotension in them is the natural aging of the body. I wrote that and crossed it out. I don’t like to blame problems on natural aging; it’s too simplistic and vague. In short – point by point.
One of the causes of hypotension is fluid deficiency in the body. In elderly people, the sensitivity to thirst and dry mouth decreases. They don’t like to drink. This feature is only known to an experienced geriatrician. By the way, you can call a geriatrician to your home from our medical center.
To avoid tiring the reader with various insignificant details, I note that most often low blood pressure is caused by taking antihypertensive drugs, which doctors automatically prescribe to everyone.
Now we will talk about hypotension in a fading, dying person. What matters here is not the blood pressure numbers themselves, but their dynamics. For example, 2 days ago it was 110. Today it’s 100. After 2 days, it dropped to 90 millimeters of mercury. This indicates that the reserves of this body are running out. And the end will be soon, in 2-3 days.
What blood pressure numbers should be in advanced age.
In people over 60 years old, normal systolic pressure is 130-150 mm Hg. Why it should be this way is written below. With pressure below 120 millimeters, there is a risk of ischemic stroke or chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency. With blood pressure above 150, there is a risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
Thus, blood pressure measurement is necessary daily, 2 times a day. You must keep a diary. You will ask me, what should the diastolic blood pressure be? I answer. An ordinary person, not a doctor, cannot interpret the diastolic blood pressure numbers. And they are not that important. But the heart rate, the pulse, is important. The heart rate should be no less than 60 and no more than 90. If it goes beyond these limits, a consultation with a cardiologist is necessary. Yes, this matter falls under the purview of a cardiologist, not a geriatrician.
What does low blood pressure lead to in old and advanced age.
Low blood pressure in old and advanced age brings very serious health consequences.
One of the main negative effects of low blood pressure in elderly people is insufficient blood supply to the brain. This can lead to dizziness, weakness, decreased attention, memory, and concentration. If blood pressure drops, this can lead to loss of consciousness, and in some cases even to a stroke. Decreased coordination of movements and dizziness will lead to a fall. This very often leads to various fractures. The most unpleasant of these is a femoral neck fracture.
Moreover, low blood pressure can negatively affect bowel function, causing stool problems and constipation. The intestines do not work actively enough under conditions of insufficient blood circulation. There is even a term «abdominal toad» (abdominal angina). This is abdominal pain caused by insufficient blood supply.
The effect of low blood pressure on the lower extremities should also not be underestimated. Atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities leads to insufficient blood supply. This manifests as pain in the calf muscles that appears when walking and decreases at rest. This symptom is called «intermittent claudication.»
I have written the most important things for you, avoiding unnecessary fluff and all sorts of insignificant information.
How to raise low blood pressure in old and advanced age.
I’ll reveal the cards right away. High blood pressure is easy to lower. But raising low blood pressure is an insurmountable quest. But I do have something to say.
It is important to control the fluid level in the body. A person should drink about 1.5 liters of any fluid per day.
Nutrition should be varied. It is well known that elderly people eat only what they are used to. Nutrition should be varied so that the body takes everything it needs from the food.
You can moderately raise blood pressure by slightly increasing your intake of salty foods. For example, a pickled cucumber, a pickled tomato, a piece of salted fish. But without fanaticism!
And finally, the most important thing is the analysis of the medications being taken. I remind you that antihypertensive drugs can only be discontinued gradually.
