People over 50 with high blood pressure should pay attention to their morning habits. This is the time of day when blood pressure is most likely to fluctuate significantly.
After a night's sleep, the body transitions from a state of rest to activity, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, stress hormones increase, and blood pressure tends to rise. This is a normal physiological response, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
Upon waking up, elderly people should sit up slowly, remaining seated on the bed for a few minutes before standing up to avoid dizziness caused by orthostatic hypotension. PHOTO: AI
In healthy individuals, this increase is within safe limits. However, in people with high blood pressure, morning blood pressure can be higher than normal. If this occurs repeatedly over a long period, the walls of blood vessels, especially the small blood vessels in the brain, can be subjected to continuous high pressure. Over time, blood vessels will be damaged, thereby increasing the risk of stroke.
Adopting some of the following morning habits can reduce this impact, thereby better protecting brain health.
Take your blood pressure medication in the morning.
For people over 50 with high blood pressure who are taking medication, the habit of taking their medication regularly in the morning can help control blood pressure effectively. Studies show that this habit can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
The most common problem patients face isn't a lack of medication, but rather forgetting to take it or not taking it on time. A good approach is to establish a fixed morning routine, for example, right after personal hygiene. If feeling dizzy or tired after taking medication, patients should not stop taking it on their own but should discuss this with their doctor to adjust the dosage or choose a more suitable medication.
Eat a proper breakfast.
Breakfast plays a crucial role in stabilizing blood sugar, electrolytes, and blood pressure. Skipping breakfast or eating a very salty breakfast can cause blood pressure to fluctuate more significantly in the morning.
Nutritional guidelines for people with high blood pressure recommend eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, reducing salt intake, and prioritizing minimally processed foods.
Avoid standing up too quickly.
In older adults, especially those taking blood pressure medication, standing up suddenly in the morning can cause orthostatic hypotension. This temporarily reduces blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, and an increased risk of falls.
A simple but effective habit is to sit up slowly upon waking, remaining seated in bed for a few minutes before standing up. If you frequently experience dizziness when standing, you should inform your doctor for evaluation and treatment adjustment, according to Healthline.