What causes high blood pressure in older adults

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is very common in older adults. It happens when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This condition can quietly damage your heart and other organs over time without obvious symptoms, which is why it’s often called “the silent killer.” But what causes high blood pressure to develop as people get older?

One major reason is that our arteries naturally change with age. As we grow older, the large arteries like the aorta become stiffer and less flexible due to changes in their structure—this includes more collagen buildup, fibrosis (thickening or scarring), and sometimes calcium deposits. When arteries lose their elasticity, they don’t expand as easily when blood pumps through them. This stiffness leads to higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a reading) and a wider gap between systolic and diastolic pressures[2].

Besides artery stiffness, several other factors contribute:

– **Weight gain:** Many older adults tend to gain weight or become obese over time. Excess weight increases strain on the heart and raises blood pressure.
– **Diet:** Eating too much salt (sodium) can cause your body to retain water, increasing blood volume and pressure.
– **Lack of physical activity:** Not moving enough weakens your heart’s efficiency.
– **Alcohol consumption:** Drinking alcohol excessively can raise your blood pressure.
– **Smoking:** Tobacco damages artery walls making them less flexible.
– **Other health problems:** Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances can lead to secondary hypertension—high blood pressure caused by an identifiable medical issue[4][5].

Additionally, aging affects how well your body regulates blood pressure through mechanisms like baroreceptors (which sense changes in BP) becoming less sensitive. The heart itself may also change with age by increasing muscle mass on its left side due to working harder against stiff vessels[2].

Sometimes medications taken for other conditions might raise BP as a side effect—for example certain steroids or contraceptive pills[5]. Because high BP usually doesn’t cause symptoms until serious damage occurs—like stroke or heart failure—it’s important for older adults to have regular check-ups.

In summary: High blood pressure in older adults mainly results from natural stiffening of arteries combined with lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise habits plus possible underlying diseases or medications. Managing these causes through healthy living and medical care helps keep BP under control and reduces risks linked with aging hearts.