What you need to know about high blood pressure?
High blood pressure can be a result of aging because as we age, our arteries often stiffen, increasing blood pressure – even in people who are extremely healthy.
Not having high blood pressure when you hit your forties or fifties doesn’t mean you never will. High blood pressure is very common, especially as you get older.
The guidelines are divided into five blood pressure levels
- Normal — <120/<80mm Hg
- Elevated — 120-129/<80mm Hg
- High blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension — 130-139 or 80-89mm Hg
- High blood pressure or stage 2 hypertension — 140+ or 90+mm Hg
- Hypertensive crisis (extremely worrisome, consult a doctor immediately) – 180+ and/or >120mm Hg
High blood pressure numbers vary by age
While the general recommended average for adults is <120/<80mm Hg, it’s important to note that those numbers vary depending on many factors. Current health status and genetics affect average healthy blood pressure, and age can play a role.
To help make this a little clearer, here is an example of normal blood pressure by age (assuming no other factors play a role).
| Men by age | Female by age |
| 21 to 25 — 120.5/78. 5 | 21 to 25 — 115.5/70.5 |
| 26 to 30 — 119.5/76.5 | 26 to 30 — 113.5/71.5 |
| 31 to 35 — 114.5,75.5 | 31 to 35 — 110.5/72.5 |
| 36 to 40 — 120.5/75.5 | 36 to 40 — 112.5/74.5 |
| 41 to 45 — 115.5/78.5 | 41 to 45 — 116.5/73.5 |
| 46 to 50 — 119.5/80.5 | 46 to 50 — 124/78.5 |
| 51 to 55 — 125.5/80.5 | 51 to 55 — 122.55/74.5 |
| 56 to 60 — 129.5/79.5 | 56 to 60 — 132.5/78.5 |
| 61 to 65 — 143.5/76.5 | 61 to 65 — 130.5/77.5 |
Again, other factors still contribute to these numbers, so while they may apply to some people, they may not apply to others. It’s always best to discuss your current blood pressure and your desired blood pressure goals with your doctor. They’ll have full access to your medical history and conditions, allowing them to offer specific solutions that contribute to your overall health.
What is the best diet for people with high blood pressure
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, one of the first changes to make is to your diet. Your doctor may recommend that you see a dietitian to discuss incorporating the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet into your routine.
The traditional dietary guidelines for patients following the DASH diet include the following daily intakes:
- Five servings of vegetables
- Five servings of fruit
- About seven servings of carbohydrates
- Two servings of low-fat dairy products
- Two or fewer servings of lean meat products
- Eat nuts and seeds two to three times a week
One study found a positive correlation between incorporating the DASH diet and reducing sodium intake and healthier average blood pressure levels.
High Blood Pressure Program created by Christian Goodman for all those people who want to lower blood pressure and get off their medications.
