kidneys’ ability to regulate sodium and water balance, leading to fluid retention and increased blood volume. Hormonal shifts also affect vascular tone and fluid regulation.
These changes mean that adults over 60 often have isolated systolic hypertension, where systolic pressure is elevated but diastolic remains normal or low. This condition is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events and requires appropriate management.
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- Risks of high blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) significantly raises the risk of serious health problems, especially when left uncontrolled. Key risks include:
Heart disease: Elevated pressure forces the heart to work harder, potentially leading to heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, and ischemic heart disease.
Stroke: High blood pressure damages and narrows arteries, increasing the likelihood of blood clots or hemorrhagic stroke.
Kidney damage: Hypertension can harm the delicate filtering units in kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease or failure.
Vascular
