Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure is the force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. It is taken during and between heartbeats using two measurements: systolic (measured when blood pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured when blood pressure is at its lowest). Monitoring blood pressure is especially important for older adults and individuals with common chronic conditions.

The first number (systolic) reveals how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls when the heart beats. The second number (diastolic) indicates how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls while the heart rests between beats. Healthcare professionals in skilled nursing services often monitor blood pressure regularly as part of ongoing patient care.

Your blood pressure is then categorized into five different categories:

• Normal – Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. Maintaining healthy habits, regular exercise, and health checkups for seniors may help support healthy blood pressure levels.
• Elevated – Blood pressure readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Elevated blood pressure may increase the risk of developing additional cardiovascular problems over time.
• Hypertension Stage 1 – Numbers consistently range from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. In some cases, lifestyle changes and exercise for seniors may help improve heart health and circulation.
• Hypertension Stage 2 – Numbers consistently range at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Seniors experiencing ongoing high blood pressure may benefit from additional monitoring through skilled nursing care or post-hospital rehabilitation services.
• Hypertensive crisis – Blood pressure readings suddenly exceeding 180/120 mm Hg require immediate medical attention. In severe cases, emergency medical providers trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be needed to provide lifesaving care.