However, the researchers also found that: In line with previous research, this study found that higher blood pressure (systolic blood pressure over 150mmHg) was associated with a higher risk of experiencing heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. The analysis considered different levels of frailty in older people. More than 400,000 electronic health care records were analysed to find a link between blood pressure and incidences of heart attacks, heart failure, strokes or death in people over 75.

Some international guidelines have suggested lower blood pressure targets for all. But existing evidence does not support clear targets for those aged 75 years and older. Recent NICE guidelines suggest a systolic blood pressure target of under 140mmHg for those under 80 years, with a higher target of 150mmHg for those aged 80+. Healthcare professionals aim to control high blood pressure in older people to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. They are often under-represented in clinical trials because of other illnesses they have, treatments they are taking, limited life expectancy or dementia. But there is a lack of research into the impact of treatment in frail older people. High blood pressure is the most common disease among the over 75s. It is an important basis for further research that could improve healthcare providers' ability to provide more personalised treatment plans for older patients. But it highlights the difficulty of managing blood pressure in elderly frail patients. This research in itself will not change practice. However, there are no clear targets for the blood pressure management in frail older people. These findings are in line with the most recent 2019 NICE guidelines which recommend a higher blood pressure target, of 150mmHg, in people aged 80 years or more. The researchers found that lower than normal blood pressures were associated with a higher death rate among older people, particularly those over the age of 85 or those who were very frail. The medical records of more than 400,000 patients in primary care were reviewed. This is a plain English summary of an original research articleįrail older people may not benefit from the same tight blood pressure control that has been shown to benefit relatively younger, healthier groups in existing trials.

Senior citizen blood pressure chart