High Blood Pressure's Impact on Senior Brain Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention, nearly half of adults in America have high blood pressure. Of those who live with high blood pressure (hypertension), only 25% have it under control.
High blood pressure puts you at risk for numerous health concerns, from heart disease to stroke. Recently, researchers discovered that it affects a person’s cognitive function as they age.
Since so many adults live with hypertension, it’s essential to understand what blood pressure is, how it affects the brain, and what you can do to maintain healthy levels.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure measures how strongly your heart pumps blood through your arteries. It's shown with two numbers. The first, systolic pressure, shows the pressure when your heart beats. The second, diastolic pressure, shows the pressure when your heart rests between beats. If your systolic number is 130 or higher, or your diastolic number is 80 or higher, you have high blood pressure.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure has few signs or symptoms. Many individuals don’t know they have it until they get a reading from their doctor. If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and stroke.
The Relationship Between Blood Pressure And Brain Health
The relationship between high blood pressure and brain health is pretty easy to make. The brain is a network of blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. For the brain to function, it needs steady blood flow.
People with chronically high blood pressure are at risk for the force of their blood to cause vessels and arteries to scar or narrow. When damage such as scarring or narrowing occurs, it can prevent the blood and oxygen from getting to the brain, leading to an ischemic stroke.
Strokes are not the only brain health concern for individuals with high blood pressure. Research from Johns Hopkins University finds that high blood pressure during midlife can increase the risk of cognitive decline later in life. The research found that individuals with high blood pressure have above-normal declines in their mental processing speed and how well they plan and organize details.
Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure
While hypertension is common, there are steps you can take to maintain a healthy blood pressure and improve your brain health.
- Don’t smoke. The chemicals in cigarettes, including nicotine, raise blood pressure and increase plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Foods high in sodium and highly processed ingredients may increase blood pressure. Try incorporating more whole grains and fresh produce that are high in fiber to keep blood pressure levels healthy.
- Manage your stress. Stress spikes blood pressure. Finding ways to manage and lower your stress can also help you keep blood pressure levels low.
- Stay active. Physical activity can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Find ways to move your body daily, whether a short walk, yoga, or another form of fitness that you enjoy.
- Limit alcohol use. There is no nutritional value to alcohol, and regularly drinking it can cause various health concerns, including increased blood pressure and related diseases.
Staying Healthy With Visiting Angels
Your blood pressure can affect many areas of your health and may result in difficulties caring for yourself. If you’re living with high blood pressure or a related brain condition, the team at Visiting Angels is available to help you live a full and independent life at home.
Our caregivers are trained professionals who work with seniors throughout Cullman. They provide nonmedical assistance such as light housekeeping, healthy meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, and more. Contact us to learn more about our at-home care services or to schedule a complimentary consultation.