7 Ways to Take Care of Elderly Affected Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition where a person experiences an increase in blood pressure above normal indicated by the systolic number (top) and the bottom number (diastolic) blood pressure on examination using a blood pressure measuring device either in the form of mercury cuff (sphygmomanometer) or other digital devices .

The normal value of a person's blood pressure with height, weight, activity level and general health normal is 120/80 mmHg. In daily activities, normal blood pressure is stable with a numeric value range. But in general, the numbers decreased blood pressure during sleep and increased time when activity or exercise.

Here are some important things to consider in caring for elderly people who have hypertension:

1. Elderly affected by hypertension, decreased organ function, including the sense of taste. Usually the elderly will likely feel less salt or food was bland, although according to the usual size, salinity was fitting. Because of this, you need to do is to add sugar or spices cooking on food, but it is recommended not to use because of the flavor flavoring has a high salt content. In addition, if you want to buy food such as snacks and fast food, consider the salt content listed on the packaging.

2. Reduce foods containing sodium to less than 100 mmol / day (less than 6 g of sodium chloride, or less than 2.4 g of sodium per day).

3. Help the elderly to reduce weight up to a healthy weight and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

4. Help the elderly to limit consumption of caffeine and alcohol.

5. Accompany the elderly to light exercise such as walking, tai-chi, gymnastics heart that can be done 3-5 times / week for 30-45 minutes. However, avoid the habit of standing in a long time and perform strenuous activities, such as going up - and down the stairs.

6. Remind elderly, to change positions slowly. For example, when Elderly want to stand up from a lying position, preferably in advance Elderly sitting for about 5 minutes. If it does not feel dizzy, then stand slowly.

7. Help the elderly to measure blood pressure to elderly health worker, clinic or other health facility.