High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a silent killer that often goes unnoticed until it causes serious health complications such as heart attack or stroke.
Diastolic pressure is an important indicator of blood pressure and its measurement has always been considered crucial in predicting hypertension. However, new research suggests that the diastolic pressure guidelines for people over 60 years of age need to be revised.
What is diastolic pressure?
Diastolic pressure is the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of arteries when the heart is in a relaxed state, i.e., when it is not pumping blood.
It is the second number in the blood pressure reading, and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg is considered normal, while a reading of 80 mm Hg or higher is indicative of hypertension.
How is diastolic pressure linked to hypertension?
Hypertension is a medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently higher than normal.
Systolic pressure, which is the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of arteries when the heart is pumping blood, is usually the first number that is recorded in a blood pressure reading. However, diastolic pressure is equally important in diagnosing hypertension, particularly in people over 60 years of age.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher is considered hypertensive in people below 60 years of age.
However, the AHA guidelines, as well as those of other medical institutions, have been questioned in recent years in regards to the diastolic pressure measurements for people over 60 years of age.
What are the new diastolic pressure guidelines for people over 60 years of age?
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in June 2018 revealed that diastolic pressure guidelines for people over 60 years of age need to be revised.
The research was conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Exeter and the University of Connecticut, who analyzed the blood pressure data of over 46,600 people aged 60 and above.
The study found that a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death in people over 60 years of age.
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This is in contrast to the current guidelines, which state that a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher is indicative of hypertension in all adults regardless of their age.
The researchers also found that the optimal diastolic pressure range for people over 60 years of age is between 70 and 79 mm Hg, which is lower than the previously recommended range of 80 to 89 mm Hg.
What are the implications of the new guidelines?
The new guidelines have significant implications for the way blood pressure is measured and treated in people over 60 years of age.
The study suggests that doctors and healthcare providers need to be more cautious in diagnosing hypertension in older adults with a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg, as this range does not necessarily indicate hypertension in this age group.
The study also highlights the importance of optimizing blood pressure control in older adults, particularly those with a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.
The researchers recommend that such individuals should be carefully monitored and treated to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and other health complications.
How can hypertension be prevented or managed?
Hypertension can be prevented or managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Some of the lifestyle changes that can help prevent or manage hypertension include:.
- Regular exercise
- A healthy diet that is low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoiding tobacco products and excess alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga
Medications that are commonly used to treat hypertension include diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
These medications work to lower blood pressure by different mechanisms and are prescribed based on the individual’s health status, age, and other medical conditions.
Conclusion
The new guidelines for diastolic pressure in people over 60 years of age have significant implications for the way hypertension is diagnosed and treated.
The study suggests that the optimal range for diastolic pressure in this age group is between 70 and 79 mm Hg, which is lower than the current guidelines. The study also highlights the importance of preventing and managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and medications, particularly in older adults who are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other health complications.
