High blood pressure, or hypertension, is bad, as is low blood pressure. We will need to keep our blood pressure within the recommended healthy range. Right? Well, in most cases, yes. When it comes to the elderly, however, the situation is less clear cut.
LET’S START BY DEFINING “ELDERLY”
Based on the World Health Organization (WHO), people aged 65 and above are defined as “old”. However, this definition can change considerably from place to place.
In Malaysia, the definition of older adult closely relates with age of retirement. Here, anyone over 60 years old is considered as an older citizen.
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BLOOD PRESSURE
High is not good.
We have been fed with a lot of information on high blood pressure and its consequences. The complications of high blood pressure – or what we are all familiar with, hypertension – is devastating. It can lead to heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
But low is not good, either.
A low blood pressure can be equally problematic. This is because the body needs a stable flow or perfusion of blood throughout the body, to supply every part of the body with much-needed oxygen and nutrients as well as to remove accumulated wastes and potentially harmful substances.
So, when our body has a low blood pressure situation, the body experiences a shortage of oxygen and nutrients. Should these occur to essential organs such as our brain, heart and even kidneys, these organs may fail. We will experience dizziness, light-headedness, reduced awareness or even alertness when oxygen supply to the brain is impaired.
FOR OLDER ADULTS, THE HIGHS AND LOWS ARE LESS CLEAR CUT
Among older adults, the blood vessels have been subjected to years of microfriction due to blood moving through them.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.
Internet Safety For Children
There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.
The Fertility Revolution
A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.
6 Skin Myths Debunked
A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.
Battling Two Cancers
Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.
