Final answer:
The JNC 8 guidelines for individuals aged 60 or older suggest a blood pressure target of less than 140/90 mmHg with diastolic pressure not dropping below 60 mmHg. Lower systolic pressure around 115 mmHg has shown to be beneficial for long-term cardiovascular health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The new guidelines from the Eight Joint National Committee (JNC 8) for blood pressure control for individuals aged 60 years or older have adjusted the target. It is recommended that blood pressure typically be reduced to less than 140/90 mmHg. However, the diastolic blood pressure should not be lower than 60 mmHg. This shift emphasizes the importance of managing hypertension, as high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.
A systolic pressure around 115 mmHg, rather than 120 mmHg, is associated with fewer health complications and better long-term cardiovascular health, supported by clinical trials demonstrating benefits at the lower ranges. Blood pressure management involves lifestyle changes and possibly medications, including beta blockers as the first line of treatment, according to these updated standards.