07/02/2026
Nurse Barb Thursday Tip
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) in Older Women
According to the Canadian Nurse Journal, over the last decade, hypertension control in women aged 60 years and older has declined, while control in men has remained relatively high and stable.
Older women are often at moderate to high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, several countries now have better rates of blood pressure control in older women than Canada.
After more than 50 years of consistently declining cardiovascular disease rates, those numbers are beginning to rise again. While some of this increase can be attributed to an aging population, many cardiovascular disease deaths are caused by modifiable risk factors, including:
🔹High blood pressure
🔹High cholesterol
🔹High blood glucose (diabetes)
🔹Poor diet
🔹Smoking
🔹Physical inactivity
🔹Obesity
When caring for older adults, healthcare providers must consider functional status, frailty, cognitive function, and other health conditions when planning prevention strategies. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach.
It's also important to know that the signs and symptoms of heart disease are often different in women than in men. Women are also more likely to have other health conditions that can increase their risk, including:
🔹Smoking
🔹Sedentary lifestyle
🔹Emotional stress or depression
🔹Diabetes
🔹Menopause
🔹Family history of cardiovascular disease
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?
Here are some ways to lower your risk:
🔹Quit smoking
Women who smoke have a greater risk of developing heart disease than men who smoke.
🔹Be physically active
A lack of regular physical activity is a major risk factor for heart disease.
🔹Manage diabetes
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than men with diabetes.
🔹Talk to your healthcare provider about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Lower estrogen levels after menopause may increase the risk of small vessel heart disease. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether HRT is appropriate for you.
🔹Eat a heart-healthy diet
Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
🔹Manage stress
Regular exercise, support groups, spending time with loved ones, and enjoyable hobbies can all help reduce stress levels.
These are just a few simple ways to help protect your heart.
If you're an older adult and would like to stay heart healthy, stop in and see me. I'd be happy to check your blood pressure, answer your questions, and provide guidance on reducing your risk of heart disease.
Stay Healthy, Portage!
xoxo,
Nurse Barb