Seniors' BP 150/80: Is it Dangerous? Doctors Explain What You Need to Know

• BP 150/80 for those over 65 is not an immediate emergency but requires vigilance; high systolic with normal diastolic is common in seniors.
• This reading is termed 'Isolated Systolic Hypertension' (ISH), frequently seen in older adults due to arterial stiffening with age.
• Consistent high BP risks stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease; it's not a 'hypertensive emergency' unless 180/120+ with severe symptoms.
• Doctors confirm high BP with multiple readings and prioritize lifestyle changes like DASH diet, exercise, and salt reduction.
• If lifestyle changes fail, medications (Thiazide-type diuretics, Calcium channel blockers) are prescribed with careful dosing; target BP for seniors is below 140, ideally 130.

Why It Matters: BP 150/80 in seniors requires vigilance and lifestyle changes, not immediate panic, with doctor consultation.