NHLBI Adds Hypertension Information to NIHSeniorHealth.gov

Although anyone can develop high blood pressure, the risk of hypertension increases with age, and men older than 45 and women older than 55 are at particular risk for the condition, according to NIH's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI. Compounding the issue, many older patients don't know what danger signs to look for and may suffer the consequences of high blood pressure, including stroke, heart disease and kidney failure, before they are aware of its potential adverse effects.

To help combat this problem, NIH has added a section on high blood pressure to its NIHSeniorHealth Web site.

The site is designed especially for older patients and may be a good first stop for clinicians seeking help in educating their patients about the dangers of hypertension. Topics covered include

Visitors to the site also can find answers to frequently asked questions about hypertension, as well as more information on the condition from MedlinePlus.

"High blood pressure is not a normal part of aging," said NHLBI Director Elizabeth Nabel, M.D., in a Sept. 20 NIH news release. "(Patients) can prevent high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight; being physically active; eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods; cutting down on salt and sodium; and drinking less alcohol."