Did you know that nearly 47% of adults in the United States struggle with hypertension (high blood pressure)? It is one of the leading health issues that many seniors struggle with. According to the CDC, only 1 in 4 adults have their high blood pressure under control. It is important for physicians to be managing high blood pressure in seniors since it can put you at risk for more severe conditions like heart disease or a stroke and can also cause symptoms such as:
- Vascular dementia
- Kidney disease or failure
- Vision loss
- Angina
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Shortness of breath during light physical activity or exercise
Managing hypertension as you get older becomes more and more important. Here are three ways to manage your hypertension:
Track Your Blood Pressure
One of the most important steps to managing hypertension in older adults is tracking your blood pressure. Those with healthy levels will typically track their status when they visit their doctor for their regular check-ups. However, it’s important that you get connected with a good cardiologist if you’re dealing with hypertension. They will be able to give you specific action steps on how to treat your particular case. Clinical Care Medical Centers has a team of Cardiologists that are experts in their field and here to help you be the healthiest version of yourself as you age.
In between visits, you can also track your blood pressure by getting an at-home Blood Pressure Monitor. This can help you keep track of your progress day-to-day and monitor where you are on the Hypertension Chart. Of course, should your blood pressure reach above 180, it is important that you reach out to a health professional immediately for care. However, if you’re managing your condition, keeping track at home can help give your cardiologist a better look at your progress and how you can improve your condition.
When it comes to managing your hypertension condition, it’s a lifelong commitment to keeping a healthy heart. This means one of the most significant factors that will help you improve your heart’s health is by adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine. For seniors, these can be difficult habits to incorporate, but with the help of your doctor, you can find healthy foods and exercise routines that you enjoy! Your cardiologist can help partner with you to make your journey to lowering your blood pressure less daunting and maybe even enjoyable along the way!
Change Your Diet and Exercise Routine
Managing high blood pressure in seniors includes many steps, but stress can also be a major contributing factor in your condition, especially in seniors. With so much going on in the world, it’s normal to take on more stress as you age. Managing your stress can look different for each patient. Some find it easier to help their stress through medication. Others take up a hobby that helps them relax, like crossword puzzles or going on light walks with friends or family members.
Typical plans for managing high blood pressure in seniors often include quitting smoking, using less sodium (salt) in recipes, and focusing on whole foods that include less fat and more fruits and vegetables. How you fuel and move your body can make a big impact on your heart health and can go a long way in managing your hypertension.
Manage Stress and Partner with your Cardiologist
Either way you try and manage your stress, an easy way to help your stress is by partnering with your expert Florida-based CCMC cardiologist. Hypertension awareness and treatment is just part of the process. Having a trusting relationship with your doctor makes the treatment way less stressful because you can have the peace of mind that you have an expert on your side who wants you to be healthy.
This is why at our 25 locations in central and south Florida, Clinical Care Medical Centers only work with the best in their field. So when you work with our cardiologists or other specialists, you know you’re in the best hands possible. It’s always our goal to ensure you have the highest quality medical care possible that covers a bird’s eye view. That means your entire healthcare team is involved with your treatment and will work together to ensure you have the best team on your side as possible – Value-Based Care. Your healthcare needs can be met whichever way they feel most comfortable, whether in our offices or through convenient services like telehealth. Our bi-lingual staff is here to help with whatever is necessary for your loved one. To schedule a tour, or speak to a senior healthcare professional, check out what Clinical Care Medical Centers can do for you by calling us today at 800-831-4424.
