Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy

Large randomized trials indicate that postmenopausal hormone therapy causes a small increase in systolic blood pressure. If you start taking postmenopausal hormone therapy, you should have your blood pressure checked regularly. Your doctor can help answer your questions.

Older Adults and High Blood Pressure

A common form of high blood pressure in older adults is isolated systolic hypertension (ISH).

ISH is high blood pressure, but only the top (systolic) number is high (140 or higher). ISH can be as harmful as high blood pressure in which both numbers are high.

ISH is the most common form of high blood pressure for older adults. About 2 out of 3 people over age 60 with high blood pressure have ISH.

You may have ISH and feel fine. As with other types of high blood pressure, ISH often causes no symptoms. To find out if you have ISH—or any type of high blood pressure—get your blood pressure checked.

If not treated, ISH can cause damage to your arteries and to body organs. ISH is treated the same way as high blood pressure in which both systolic and diastolic pressures are high—by making changes in your health habits and with blood pressure medicines.

Key Points

• Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure is dangerous and can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness.
• You have prehypertension if your top (systolic) number is usually between 130 and 139, or your bottom (diastolic) number is usually between 80 and 89.
• You have high blood pressure if your top (systolic) blood pressure number is usually 140 or higher, or your bottom (diastolic) number is usually 90 or higher. Both numbers are important.
• If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, you have high blood pressure if your top number is usually 130 or higher, or your bottom number is usually 80 or higher.
• Over half of all Americans aged 60 and over have high blood pressure.
• African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure than Caucasians.
• High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no signs or symptoms.
• Having your blood pressure checked is quick and easy.
• You can control your high blood pressure through healthy lifestyle habits and taking medicines, if needed.
• It is important to keep track of your blood pressure and keep it under control.
• You can help prevent high blood pressure by choosing a healthy way of life.