Blood pressure targets can become more individualised as people get older. For adults over 70, doctors consider not only the BP reading but also overall health, existing conditions, medications and symptoms such as dizziness or weakness.
Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers: systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart contracts, and diastolic pressure, the pressure between heartbeats.
For many adults, a reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. However, a person over 70 should not automatically try to reach a particular number without discussing their individual target with a doctor.
Why Blood Pressure Can Change During the Day
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates. Physical activity, stress, caffeine, meals, sleep and medications can all affect readings. A single higher or lower reading therefore does not necessarily indicate a persistent problem.
Older adults can also be more vulnerable to low blood pressure, particularly when standing up. This can cause dizziness, weakness or fainting and may increase the risk of falls.
When Is High Blood Pressure Concerning?
Repeated readings that remain above the recommended range should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Consistently elevated blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart disease and stroke.
Extremely high readings require more urgent attention, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, weakness, confusion or changes in vision.
The key message for people over 70 is that blood pressure goals should be personalised. A healthy target for one older adult may not be appropriate for another, particularly when other medical conditions or multiple medications are involved.
Regular monitoring and discussing readings with a healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate BP target.