The blood pressure represents the barometer of our overall circulatory health. The circulatory system consists of blood and heart vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. However, do you know that more than 70 % of the people suffer from high blood pressure?
Nowadays, hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is one of the most common health issues that people experience. Even though it rarely has some recognizable symptoms, if it is not treated, the high blood pressure can increase the risk of some serious health issues, such as: vision loss, memory loss, kidney failure, peripheral arterial disease, vascular dementia, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
Things that increase the risk of high blood pressure
Even though it is still not known what causes hypertension, there are some things that contribute to and increase the risk of getting high blood pressure, such as:
- Overweightness
- Smoke
- Disturbed sleep or sleep apnea
- Genetics
- Stress
- Lack of exercise
- High average alcohol consumption
- Thyroid disorders
- Family history of hypertension
Blood pressure chart according to age
Blood pressure usually increases with the age, and according to the health experts, lower numbers of blood pressure are better for the overall health. The blood pressure is measured in 2 numbers: systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The systolic blood pressure is the top number, which measures the blood pressure when the heart contracts and squeezes and pushes the blood throughout the body. On the other side, the diastolic blood pressure represents the bottom number, which measures the blood pressure when the heart is relaxed between the beats.
In addition, the blood pressure varies throughout the day and differs in each individual as a result of several factors, such as gender, age and genetics. The health experts have determined the values for normal blood pressure according to age.
Normal blood pressure in women according to age:
- 20 years old – 116/72 mmHg
- Up to 30 years old – 120/75 mmHg
- 30 – 40 years old – 127/80 mmHg
- 40 – 50 years old – 137/84 mmHg
- 50 – 60 years old – 144/85 mmHg
- More than 70 years old – 159/85 mmHg
Normal blood pressure in men according to age:
- 20 years old – 123/76 mmHg
- Up to 30 years old – 126/79 mmHg
- 30 – 40 years old – 129/81 mmHg
- 40 – 50 years old – 135/83 mmHg
- 50 – 60 years old – 142/85 mmHg
- More than 70 years old – 142/80 mmHg
Lifestyle changes to lower high blood pressure
High blood pressure is especially common in older people. As we get older, the vascular system begins to change. When the arteries get stiffer, the blood pressure increases. However, it is good to know that blood pressure can be controlled in most people. Making some lifestyle change can help you to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Some of them are:
- Doing regular exercise
- Giving up smoking
- Reducing the intake of caffeine-based drinks and alcohol
- Eating healthy and balanced meals
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Managing stress
- Cutting down on salt
- Getting a good night`s sleep or treating sleep apnea
If these lifestyle changes do not reduce your blood pressure to a normal level, your doctor will probably prescribe some drugs. These medications can regulate your blood pressure, but cannot cure it.
