Study sets blood pressure target for people over 80.

ISLAMABAD -- Lowering an older person's systolic blood pressure to 120 mmHg or lower reduces the risk of heart disease, but increases the chance of kidney changes. In the United States, over half of the people aged 60 and over have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and maintaining one's blood pressure at healthy levels can be crucial. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines recommend a systolic blood pressure of no higher than 130 milligrams of mercury (mmHg) for those over 65. However, by the time many people reach 85 years old, they have developed health issues.

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimate that by 2050, 10% of adults in the U.S. will be 85 or older. A team of researchers has now completed an exploration of blood pressure recommendations for these individuals. Their study appears in the Journal...