High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common health issues in older adults, but many people don’t fully understand what it means or when it should be treated. In this episode, Dr. Leslie Kernisan explains what blood pressure numbers really mean, what’s normal BP and what’s considered too high, and why managing hypertension is so important for long-term health. Important Blood Pressure Studies: What to Know About SPRINT-Senior & Other Research: Dr. Kernisan also talks about what causes high blood pressure, why it often goes unnoticed, and how it can increase the risk of strokes, heart disease, and kidney problems. She explains the differences between U.S. and European blood pressure guidelines, how to get accurate blood pressure readings, and what blood pressure older adults should aim for. If you or a loved one have high blood pressure, this episode will help you understand when treatment is needed, how to monitor blood pressure at home, and what steps to take to reduce health risks. Find related resources here: Sign up for the Better Health While Aging newsletter to receive expert, practical health advice from board-certified geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH: #highbloodpressure, #hypertension, #aginghealth, #hearthealth, #betterhealthwhileaging Chapters: 00:00 High Blood Pressure in Aging 02:26 What is blood pressure? 08:01 Defining Hypertension 15:50 How to accurately measure BP 18:15 What causes high blood pressure? 21:02 Signs and symptoms of high BP 24:13 How high is too high for BP? 26:47 The Concept Of A “BP” Goal 32:00 Key Points WATCH NEXT : How to Improve Brain Health in Aging Protein, Metabolism & Aging: Nutrition Tips for Longevity Can Exercise Reverse Aging? How to Exercise to Age Well Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Aging: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Anemia in Aging: Symptoms and Solutions high blood pressure, hypertension in aging, lower blood pressure, blood pressure medications, normal blood pressure, how to reduce blood pressure, high blood pressure symptoms, what makes blood pressure high, blood pressure too low symptoms, blood pressure monitoring, best way to check blood pressure, blood pressure guidelines, high blood pressure risks, blood pressure and aging, when to treat high blood pressure, hypertension treatment options, causes of high blood pressure, stroke prevention, high blood pressure management, home blood pressure monitoring, blood pressure medication side effects, heart health in aging, hypertension and heart disease, high blood pressure prevention, better health while aging Disclaimer: The material on the Better Health While Aging Youtube channel, including any exchanges in the comments section, is for informational and educational purposes only. Any comments Dr. Kernisan may make regarding an individual’s story or comments should not be construed as establishing a physician-patient relationship between Dr. Kernisan and a caregiver, or care recipient. None of Dr. Kernisan’s website, social media, comments, or group information should be considered a substitute for individualized medical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Please see the full disclaimer for more information: