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Low BP complications
Why is low blood pressure a problem with the elderly?
(28 Jan 2008)
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Low Blood Pressure & the Elderly
Low blood pressure (also called hypotension) can cause problems with the elderly. While most healthy people have little to no trouble with having low blood pressure, the elderly can experience a whole host of issues. Therefore, when a doctor notices an elderly patient with low blood pressure, he or she becomes concerned and will recommended treatment options.
The main problem that an older person may have with low blood pressure has to do with feeling dizzy and faint. It is very common for seniors to pass out or faint when their blood pressure suddenly drops below normal levels. This can then cause problems with bone fractures since their bones are already brittle and fragile.
In addition, a sudden drop in low blood pressure with older patients often means that they have less decreased blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. This can also cause serious health problems and should be looked at seriously.
Here is an interesting fact—as most people age, they find they have problems with high blood pressure, but for twnety percent of elderly patients, the opposite is true. They worry about blood pressure being too low. Most elderly patients that have low blood pressure have what is called “postural hypotension”. This is problem has to do with the autonomic nervous system. In older patients, this means that when they sit, or lay down and then stand up, blood suddenly pools into the feet causing a sudden drop in blood pressure. For this reason, doctors will recommend that those suffering from low blood pressure take a gradual approach to standing or sitting up.
There are several treatment options for low blood pressure, however, most doctors will recommend adding a little salt to the diet or exercising more during the day. Both of these can help improve circulation and can help correct low blood pressure.
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answered by A K on 28 Jan 2008, 3:14:53
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