So-called arterial hypertension is a disease of the cardiovascular system caused by a drop in the elasticity of blood vessels. High blood pressure is often detected late, after symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nervousness, sleep disturbances as well as skipping and palpitations.
High blood pressure in old age
Arterial hypertension is one of the most common physical ailments in the elderly. It affects almost every other person over the age of 60. Normal aging, however, does not necessarily have to be related to high blood pressure. Long-term unhealthy lifestyle or delayed and irregular visits to the doctor are often the cause of late detection of the disease.
Causes, risks and therapy
In most cases, the causes of high blood pressure are not easy to determine. Often it can be a hormonal disorder or kidney damage that leads to damage to the circulatory system. Likewise, the risk of high blood pressure may exist in the case of a family history of high blood pressure. A certain lifestyle can also affect the increased risk or development of the disease. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress and anger, lack of exercise and a diet rich in salt are factors for the development of high blood pressure.
Risks (risk of heart attack and stroke)
Diseases of the circulatory system are the most common causes of death in Europe. The aging of the population and unhealthy lifestyles contribute to this. In addition to diabetes, lack of exercise, stress and nicotine and alcohol intake are the main dangers for heart attacks and strokes.
Measures when symptoms occur
Many, especially the elderly, suffer from high blood pressure for years without being aware of it. They ignore the symptoms or avoid going to the doctor out of fear, but the risk of high blood pressure should never be ignored. Our advice: it is advisable to visit a family doctor or specialist. You will probably get the prescribed medications, but they alone are not enough to achieve the desired goal. With drug therapy, it is best to reconsider and possibly change your life habits.