Best Ways to Treat High Blood Pressure

Video Description

Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most important ways to protect your brain, heart, and kidneys as you age. In this episode, geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, explains the best ways to lower blood pressure in older adults, using both lifestyle changes and medications that are safe and effective for aging bodies. #highbloodpressure, #bloodpressuretips, #dashdiet, #seniorhealth, #agingwell, #betterhealthwhileaging You’ll learn about the DASH diet, sodium and potassium intake, types of blood pressure medications (like calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors), and how to decide on the right blood pressure goals for your age and health status. Dr. Kernisan also explains why accurate blood pressure measurement is key, especially when monitoring at home, and highlights common issues like orthostatic hypotension and sensitivity to medication in frail older adults. Whether you’re an older adult or a health professional, this episode provides science-based, practical advice to help you lower blood pressure and reduce long-term health risks. You can find more resources here: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/how-to-lower-blood-pressure-and-treat-hypertension/ Sign up for Better Health While Aging’s newsletter to receive expert, practical health advice from board-certified geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/for-older-adults/ Chapters: 00:00 Best Ways to Treat High Blood Pressure 01:54 Introduction to lowering blood pressure in aging 02:42 Defining hypertension 05:08 Causes of high blood pressure 07:21 How high is too high? 09:06 How to lower BP 12:06 Lifestyle changes to lower BP 14:27 DASH diet for hypertension 15:44 Reducing dietary sodium 18:04 Potassium and blood pressure 21:14 Medications for hypertension treatment 34:20 Special hypertension considerations for older adults 39:23 Recap of how to lower blood pressure WATCH NEXT : High Blood Pressure in Aging: When to Treat & Why It Matters https://youtu.be/Op4UsXgJEQU Heart Failure in Aging: Symptoms, Types, and Treatments https://youtu.be/CRjxQISx_Wg Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults: Watchman, Medications, & Other Treatment Options https://youtu.be/wvFBofvo9vM Can Exercise Reverse Aging? How to Exercise to Age Well https://youtu.be/jbVT7GSDsEs Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Aging: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment https://youtu.be/Ev-i_E_MlTo How to Improve Brain Health in Aging https://youtu.be/xKr9RTmXY1s Protein, Metabolism & Aging: Nutrition Tips for Longevity https://youtu.be/BzpaQ0F49JE Anemia in Aging: Symptoms and Solutions https://youtu.be/wO4XgM51tgw Disclaimer: The material on the Better Health While Aging Youtube channel, including any exchanges in the comments section, is for informational and educational purposes only. Any comments Dr. Kernisan may make regarding an individual’s story or comments should not be construed as establishing a physician-patient relationship between Dr. Kernisan and a caregiver, or care recipient. None of Dr. Kernisan’s website, social media, comments, or group information should be considered a substitute for individualized medical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Please see the full disclaimer for more information: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/disclaimer/