One Test Your Parent Doesn’t Want To Miss

When your parents get to a certain age, especially if there is a history of cardiovascular problems in your family, hypertension should be high up on your list of worries. Hypertension is defined as blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg and affects over two thirds of adults over 75.

Those who suffer from hypertension can be treated, often successfully. In a study on 700 octogenarians, blood pressure lowering medications effectively reduced the risk for strokes and heart failure by 35%. They also reduced the risk of other cardiovascular events by 20%.

High blood pressure often manifests itself over a long period time with no symptoms, slowly damaging the heart, brain, and blood vessels, eventually leading to strokes or heart attacks. Because of this, it has become a major risk and should be treated as such. Make sure that your parents get checked next time they go to the doctor.

If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.