The author proposes educating elderly patients on blood pressure monitoring. We should agree that this problem is rising in importance due to the longer survival of elderly patients. These patients also deal with unique challenges, such as higher nocturnal blood pressure and the mentioned white coat effect, which is confirmed further by newer studies (Camafort et al., 2022). A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to treat and manage hypertension in elderly patients properly. Thus, the efforts aimed at giving patients the instruments for measuring their blood pressure correctly are essential. We might suggest that these efforts include simple recommendations on how to improve the patient’s condition. For example, if the physical condition of the patient allows, walking is shown to reduce blood pressure and blood sugar (Rizka, et al., 2022). In addition, simple deep breathing exercises have been shown to help manage hypertension in elderly patients. These instructions could also be presented in easy-to-understand handouts with clear steps to follow.
References
Camafort, M., Chung, W.-J., & Shin, J.-H. (2022). Role of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in elderly hypertensive patients. Clinical Hypertension, 28 (07), 22-28. Web.
Rizka, M., Ambardini, R., Virama, L., & Yudhistira, D. (2022). The Effect of Walking Exercise on Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose in the Elderly. International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science, 10 (01), 30-35. Web.
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