Normal blood pressure for elderly people

[Jaxxtaxx]

Has the medical community settled on whether it is normal and healthy for elderly people to have higher blood pressure readings? I see 140/90 mentioned but no credentials.

[specialmom]

The guidelines keep changing a bit.  Seniors had a higher allowed blood pressure number that was considered okay than they do now.  https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/reading-the-new-blood-pressure-guidelines  This article is helpful at looking at all people and blood pressure targets.  This article states In 2017, "new guidelines from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and nine other health organizations lowered the numbers for the diagnosis of hypertension (high blood pressure) to 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and higher for all adults. The previous guidelines set the threshold at 140/90 mm Hg for people younger than age 65 and 150/80 mm Hg for those ages 65 and older."  It goes on to say why they made the change to seniors needing to have lower numbers.  Normal is less than 120 for everyone now.  

[Jaxxtaxx]

Thank you very much.  But for someone over 85 I am guessing that is a hard goal to reach without excessive medications, which carry so many negative side effects.

[specialmom]

It's rough getting older.  I can imagine that if you are destined to have high blood pressure, it's going to happen as you age.  Maintaining a heart healthy diet and getting regular exercise such as a walk 30 minutes 5 days a week are helpful at controlling it.  And 85 is above the age that most people live, to be honest.  I think expectations of one's health at that age are important.  One is trying to extend their life as best they can.  weighing the down side of taking medication is something everyone should do but absolutely someone in the elderly population.  So, I get what you are saying.