Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Blood Pressure Control

Dec. 31, 2006
READERS:
Blood-pressure control is important as you age. After age 55, it's not unusual for the diastolic pressure, the bottom reading, to stay the same or fall while the systolic pressure -- the top number, keeps climbing. Talk with your doctor about how to manage your blood pressure. Most older adults can reach healthier blood-pressure levels with a combination of lifestyle changes and blood-pressure-lowering drugs.