What should elderly people do if their high blood pressure cannot be lowered by medication

The inability to lower high blood pressure in elderly people with medication may be related to improper medication selection, unadjusted lifestyle, or the presence of other diseases. Suggest adjusting medication regimens, improving lifestyle habits, and investigating potential causes.

1. Improper drug selection: There are many types of hypertension drugs, such as diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, etc. Some elderly people may not be sensitive to certain medications, resulting in poor blood pressure lowering effects. It is recommended to try changing medication or using combination therapy under the guidance of a doctor, such as combining ACE inhibitors with calcium channel blockers, to improve blood pressure lowering effects.

2. Unadjusted lifestyle: Hypertension is closely related to factors such as diet, exercise, and emotions. Older people may have difficulty controlling their blood pressure due to poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, or long-term mental stress. Suggest reducing salt intake and keeping the daily salt intake below 5 grams; Increase potassium rich foods such as bananas, spinach, etc; Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking and swimming; Simultaneously maintain emotional stability and avoid excessive anxiety.

3. Investigate potential causes: Certain diseases such as renal artery stenosis and primary aldosteronism may lead to refractory hypertension. It is recommended to undergo relevant examinations, such as renal artery ultrasound and measurement of blood aldosterone levels, to rule out the possibility of secondary hypertension. If the cause is found, treatment should be targeted at the primary disease. When elderly people with high blood pressure cannot lower it with medication, they should adjust their medication plan, improve their lifestyle, and investigate potential causes under the guidance of a doctor. Through various interventions, blood pressure can be effectively controlled and the risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced. At the same time, regularly monitor blood pressure, communicate with doctors in a timely manner about changes in the condition, and ensure the continuous optimization of treatment plans.