normal man bp - #12971
I am really confused about what a normal man bp should be. A couple of weeks ago, I went for a routine check-up and they told me my blood pressure was kinda high, like 145/90 or something? I mean, I don't feel any different but the doc said to keep an eye on it. I don’t get it, because my dad's always told me he's got "normal man bp" and it's always been in the 120s for systolic. I feel like I might be missing something here. Like, I’m not overweight or anything, I exercise regularly, but I do drink a lot of coffee and maybe my diet isn’t the best. My grandma had high blood pressure and I’m worried it might run in the family but they always said a normal man bp is way lower than what I got. Should I be worried about this? What exactly defines a normal man bp? I was trying to look it up, but there seems to be so much conflicting info out there. Is 145/90 really that bad, or can it just be one of those things that fluctuate? And if so, how do I know if I should change my lifestyle or just chill out and keep monitoring?
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Doctors’ responses
For adults, a normal blood pressure is generally considered to be around or below 120/80 mmHg. Having a reading of 145/90 mmHg is indeed higher than recommended, which falls into the category of hypertension or high blood pressure. Blood pressure can fluctuate based on various factors, including stress, physical activity, food intake, or even the time of day. However, consistently elevated numbers like 145/90 should be taken seriously as they can have long-term health implications, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke over time. Since you mentioned family history, it might be relevant, as genetics can play a role in hypertension. Lifestyle factors are also important. Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure, so monitoring your coffee intake could be beneficial. Similarly, diet plays a significant role—you might want to limit high-salt and high-sugar foods, and focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Maintaining regular exercise is great, so keep that up. Since you’ve been advised to keep an eye on it, it’s a good idea to monitor your blood pressure at home. Check it at various times, keep a record, and share these readings with your healthcare provider to see if there’s a pattern. If high readings persist, your doctor might suggest further evaluations or treatments. Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga can also help manage your blood pressure. Avoid self-prescribing any medication or delaying a medical consultation. If you notice symptoms like severe headache, difficulty in breathing, or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately as these could be sign of a hypertensive crisis.
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