by Chris Westerley

Created on: October 26, 2009   Last Updated: October 28, 2009

Old people are more prone to be affected by physiological disturbances, which can cause the blood pressure to increase (hypertension) or decrease (hypotension) to abnormal levels. Of the two, hypertension is by far the more dangerous, because it is a continuous state that does not cause symptoms, yet can result in serious, even fatal, complications.

HYPOTENSION

Hypotension can be due to a number of causes. Since it causes dizziness and even fainting, it can increase the chance of an old person falling. Falls in old people are dangerous, because bones become more fragile with age.

Two varieties of hypotension are more common in old people.

Postural (orthostatic) hypotension is a drop in blood pressure occurring when the a person stands up. It can be avoided by standing up slowly. Taking caffeine in the morning, either in coffee or as a tablet, can also be helpful. Factors such as high temperature may make postural hypotension more likely. Initial treatment is to increase fluid and salt intake. If this does not succeed in controlling the problem, medication may be required.

Postprandial hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs after eating. It is even more common than postural hypotension in the elderly. About 30 to 40 percent of old people in residential homes have this problem. Eating smaller, more frequent meals containing fewer sugars and starches is the best way to prevent postprandial hypotension.

HYPERTENSION

Results from the Framingham Heart Study show that 27 percent of Americans aged under 60 have hypertension. Between the ages of 60 and 79, this goes up to 59 percent. More than 70 percent of people aged over 80 have hypertension.

Hypertension is called "the silent killer", because in itself it does not cause symptoms. However, it can lead to serious health problems and death. The chance of this happening is higher in older people.

* Problems associated with hypertension in the elderly *

1. Heart attack and stroke

Researchers from Northwestern University and the Framingham Heart Study found that cardiovascular risks associated with hypertension increase with age. People aged under 60, who have hypertension, have a 3 percent increase in their risk of heart attack or stroke. In people aged 60-79, the risk is increased by between 6 and 9 percent. People aged 80 and older have a massive 20 to 25 percent increase in risk.

2. Kidney failure

High blood pressure damages the blood vessels and filtration system of the kidneys. It is the second most

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