Understanding High Blood Pressure: What Older Adults Need to Know, in Conversation With Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects more than 70% of adults older than 60, and many people may not realize they have it. If it goes untreated, it can raise the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and dementia.

We talked with Ahmed Mohiuddin, MD, Regional Medical Director at Oak Street Health, about why high blood pressure can be hard to spot, what older adults often get wrong about it, and what steps can help support long-term health.

Q: Why is high blood pressure often described as a “silent” condition, and why do so many people not know they have it?

Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin: High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because many people have no symptoms and do not realize anything is wrong. It can quietly damage the body over time. That is why regular blood pressure checks, both during routine medical visits and at home, are so important. The sooner it is identified, the easier it is to manage.

Q: What are some of the biggest misconceptions older adults have about high blood pressure?

Dr. Mohiuddin: One of the most common things I hear from patients is that they assume they are fine because they feel normal. Others may have lived with high blood pressure for a while without a major health event and think it is nothing to worry about.

Some people with a family history of high blood pressure also believe there is nothing they can do, while others worry about medication side effects.

In reality, no matter where someone starts, there are steps that can help better control blood pressure and protect long-term health.

Q: What are the biggest health risks linked to uncontrolled high blood pressure?

Dr. Mohiuddin: High blood pressure affects blood vessels throughout the body as well as the organs. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and dementia. The encouraging part is that many of these risks can be lowered with early attention, treatment, and lifestyle changes.

Q: What are the most important steps older adults can take to manage their blood pressure?

Dr. Mohiuddin: Begin with small changes that are realistic and sustainable. That may include eating a healthy diet and cutting back on sodium, including the hidden salt found in processed foods; staying physically active with regular cardio; getting enough sleep; and managing stress.

When appropriate, older adults can also ask their doctor whether medication should be part of their treatment plan. And no one has to handle high blood pressure alone. A strong care team can make a meaningful difference.

Q: What is one thing you want older adults to remember about high blood pressure?

Dr. Mohiuddin: Do not wait for symptoms or a warning sign before paying attention to your blood pressure. Regular screening can catch high blood pressure earlier, giving you and your doctor a chance to manage it and help protect long-term health.

Q: Where can people go to learn more?

Dr. Mohiuddin: To learn more, visit OakStreetHealth.com. If you see us in your community, we also encourage you to stop by a center, meet the care team, and learn more about how Oak Street Health supports patients.