List common diseases of the elderly.

1. HYPERTENSION
a. Definition:
Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg
and a diastolic pressure greater than 90 mm Hg over a sustained period. Hypertension occurs when
the body's smaller blood vessels (the arterioles) narrow, causing the blood to exert excessive
pressure against the vessel walls and forcing the heart to work harder to maintain the pressure.

b. Signs and Symptoms:

 Severe headaches, particularly in the morning.
 Fatigue or confusion.
 Vision problems.
 Chest pain.
 Difficulty breathing.
 Irregular heartbeat.
 Nocturia

c. Management:
 Measure Blood Pressure on a Regular Basis
 Manage and monitor blood sugar levels
 Take and follow medication regimen like Antihypertensive drugs
 Increase aerobic physical activity at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-
intensity exercise every week.
 Follow DASH diet: restricting sodium and fat intake, increasing intake of fruits and
vegetables.

d. Prevention:
 Lose weight if overweight.
 Smoking cessation.
 Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) ethanol (eg, 24 oz [720 mL] beer, 10 oz
[300 mL] wine, or 2 oz [60 mL] 100-proof whiskey) per day.
 Engage in aerobic physical activity (30 to 45 minutes most days of the week).
 Get enough sleep.
 Reduce sodium intake to no more than 100 mmol per day and intake of dietary
saturated fat and cholesterol.
 Eat foods rich in potassium, fiber, and protein.
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