Hypertension
Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is a serious medical condition that increases the risk of issues in the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs. Blood pressure that is abnormally high is known as hypertension. A two-digit number is used to calculate blood pressure. The first number (systolic) shows the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. Diastolic pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart is not pounding. Hypertension is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure readings on two different days are both 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure readings on both days are 90 mmHg. In the elderly, hypertension is fairly common.
Causes of Hypertension
Excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, and a lack of fruits and vegetables are all modifiable risk factors, as are physical inactivity, cigarette and alcohol use, and being overweight or obese. A family history of hypertension, age over 65, and co-existing disorders like diabetes or kidney disease are all non-modifiable risk factors.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Hypertension is a “silent killer.” Most seniors are unaware they have hypertension because it has no warning signs or symptoms. As a result, checking blood pressure on a regular basis is crucial. Early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision anomalies, and ringing in the ears are some of the symptoms. Severer blood pressure causes fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, heart diseases and muscle tremors. Blood pressure can only be taken by a doctor. Blood pressure readings are straightforward and painless. Although automated equipment can be used to examine blood pressure in the elderly, a health professional review is required for risk assessment and related illnesses.
Complications of Hypertension in Seniors
Hypertension can cause serious cardiac damage, among other problems. High blood pressure can cause arteries to stiffen, restricting blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Angina is a type of chest pain caused by high blood pressure and insufficient blood flow. Following are the complications of hypertension:
- Sleep Apnea (sleep deprivation)
- Heart problems
- Thyroid problems
- Adrenal gland problems and dysfunction
Prevention and Management of Hypertension in Seniors
Lowering blood pressure can prevent heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and other health concerns. Hypertension in the elderly can be prevented by taking the following steps:
- Salt consumption reduction (to less than 5g daily).
- Fruits and vegetables should be consumed regularly.
- Physical activity should be done regularly.
- Tobacco should be avoided whenever possible.
- Drinking less booze.
- Saturated fat-rich meals should be consumed in moderation.
- Trans fats should be removed or lowered from the diet.
- Stress reduction and management
- Keeping track of blood pressure.
- High blood pressure treatment.
- Taking care of other medical issues.
Skilled Nursing Care at Home
Skilled nursing care at home is intended for patients who are dealing with serious medical problems but do not require hospitalisation. If your loved one has been diagnosed with a serious health condition that may be handled at home with the support of a qualified nurse, Athulya Home Care in Chennai can help.
Blood Collection at Home
Athulya Home Care in Chennai, being one of the top lab sample collection at home service providers, is meeting the diagnostic needs of the elderly.
They provide a comprehensive range of lab diagnostic services without requiring elders to leave their homes, with a focus on delivering accurate and timely findings. In Chennai, Athulya has a large network of diagnostic facilities. Seniors can now get diabetes tests, blood sugar tests, and other routine tests done at home. Using their home blood collection services seniors can relax themselves from hypertension. In collaboration with our lab partners, Athulya offers complete check-up packages for seniors. Prescribed testing, preventive check-ups, and periodic health checks are all examples of these tests.
Athulya Home Care
Athulya Homecare is raising the quality standards of aged care in India with its traditional care practises laced with empathy and compassion. Athulya offers medical visits, nursing care, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, sample collection, medicine delivery, and many other services exclusively for seniors in the comfort of their own homes, streamlining the way seniors receive quality care.The power of healing at home inspires us. Athulya’s patient care services in Chennai are highly recommended by medical specialists for a quick recovery.
