Senior Care in Hamilton NJ

Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure, a common condition in the United States and throughout the world.  Because this harmful condition is so prevalent, May 17th has been dedicated as World Hypertension Day, a day to spread awareness about hypertension.  One of the risk factors for hypertension is age.  Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 65 are at an increased risk for hypertension, which is why it is so important for all seniors to get regular screenings for high blood pressure.  If you are a caregiver for a senior loved one, it is a great idea for you to learn more about hypertension and to encourage your loved one to get a blood pressure screening in honor of World Hypertension Day.  Here is some useful information for caregivers about hypertension:

What are the risk factors for hypertension?

In addition to age, there are many things that can put seniors at a higher risk for hypertension.  These risk factors include having a family history or hypertension, being overweight/obese, being sedentary or not exercising regularly, tobacco use, having a high-sodium diet, having a diet low in potassium and/or vitamin D, drinking more alcohol than is recommended, chronic stress, and certain other chronic medical conditions.  If your senior loved one has more than one of these risk factors, it is essential for them to get their blood pressure screened regularly so that they can get treated quickly for hypertension if they have it.

What are the complications of hypertension?

The reason why spreading awareness about hypertension and blood pressure screenings is so important is that hypertension can lead to other very serious medical conditions.  These include heart attack, stroke, metabolic syndrome, heart failure, vision loss, aneurysm, and weakened kidneys.

How can my loved one prevent or manage hypertension?

If your loved one’s doctor diagnoses them with hypertension, they may prescribe your loved one a blood pressure medication.  In addition to taking their medications as directed, it is important for your loved one to make some lifestyle changes to help them control and manage their hypertension.  These include eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting tobacco use, managing stress, regularly checking blood pressure at home, and limiting alcohol.  These lifestyle changes can also help your loved one to prevent hypertension if they do not have it.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Hamilton, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.

Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/definition/con-20019580