Medical studies have proved the increasing occurrence of hypertension with age. In older adults with hypertension, the risks of morbidity and mortality rate are much higher than others. Undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension can lead to severe health complications, and it is among the significant factors for ailments like myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Thus, it is vital to keep a check on your ageing parents’ health. Moreover, understanding the early signs and symptoms of hypertension is crucial to keep serious health issues at bay.
Blood pressure typically rises and drops throughout the day, mainly due to physical exercises or stress. It becomes a cause of concern if it remains high instead of coming back to the normal level. Although there are no definitive symptoms of hypertension, mentioned below are some possible signs that your parents should never neglect.
Severe Headaches
A severe headache may not always be due to high blood pressure, but it can be one of the signs of hypertension in the elderly. Most people may not experience a headache unless the blood pressure is too high. People often experience a throbbing headache; it may usually be felt on both sides of the head.
Irregular Heartbeat
Sometimes, factors like stress or excessive caffeine intake may lead to heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmia. The risk of coronary artery disease increases due to high blood pressure, causing the left ventricle walls to get thick that can change the way electrical impulses travel through the heart.
Dizziness
Dizziness in the elderly should never be ignored. It can lead to fall and fractures, which is risky. Thus, it is essential that you pay attention to such symptoms, especially if their onset is sudden. That is because they can also be warning signs of stroke that requires immediate medical attention.
Shortness of Breath
One of the early signs of hypertension is shortness of breath. It can be tricky to identify as the symptom can also be due to other health issues like asthma. However, a person with high blood pressure may also experience difficulty breathing and pain in the chest.
Vision Changes
Untreated hypertension can damage the retina and lead to symptoms like headache, dim vision, and vision loss. High blood pressure causes hypertensive retinopathy, which can be treated by medication and lifestyle changes.
Other Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension
In some cases, people suffering from hypertension may have symptoms like fatigue, confusion, nosebleed, and blood in the urine.
Hypertension in Ageing Parents: Prevention and Management
If one has the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to visit a doctor without delay. Older people facing risk factors for hypertension should take additional healthcare measures as high BP can severely affect health. The best approach is constant monitoring of their blood pressure reading and going for a regular health check-up. Additionally, following a healthy lifestyle is recommended that includes eating healthy foods with more fruits and vegetables, controlling the excess intake of sugar and salt, and maintaining healthy body weight.
>>Read: Hypertension: Know How You Can Control this Prevalent Lifestyle Medical Condition
Presently, the COVID-19 pandemic is posing increased health risks for the elderly and people with comorbidities like hypertension. Given the rising healthcare needs for ageing parents, getting a suitable health insurance policy is a decision that you must take without the slightest delay. Consider Health Insurance for Diabetes, a specific health cover by Care Health Insurance, individuals having ailments like hypertension, diabetes, and high BMI can choose. It provides comprehensive coverage and benefits like hospitalization cover, pre and post hospitalization, day care treatment, dialysis cover, and annual health check-up along with COVID -19 treatment cover. It is an affordable health insurance for parents for financial security in old age.
>>Read: Why Hypertension Patients are at Greater Risk of Coronavirus?
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is only for reference purposes. Underwriting of claims for Hypertension is subject to policy terms and conditions.
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