normal bp range according to age - #14471
I am kinda puzzled about my blood pressure lately. I’m in my late 30s, and I know that normal bp range according to age can change, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out what’s right for me. I went to the doctor like a week ago and my reading was 145/95, which I heard is high, but I also read that normal bp range according to age should be different for everyone. My mom had high blood pressure even younger than me, so I guess I'm freaking out a bit. I thought maybe stress was the cause since work has been chaotic, and I haven’t been sleeping well. I measured it a few times at home after that, and it’s been like 138/88 sometimes, but then other days it spikes up again. It’s really confusing trying to keep track of what’s considered a normal bp range according to age, especially when half the info online seems to contradict each other! Should I be worrying about this or can lifestyle changes help? I keep thinking if I should just monitor it daily, or maybe consult with another doctor about what the normal bp range according to age for me really should be. Anyone else been through this? What should I do next?
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Doctors’ responses
Blood pressure readings can indeed be a source of confusion, especially with all the various information available out there. Generally speaking, for adults, including those in their 30s, a normal blood pressure is typically considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg. Your reading of 145/95 mmHg is classified as stage 1 hypertension, which does suggest higher than desirable blood pressure. Even though values can vary slightly due to different guidelines, consistently higher readings should definitely be addressed. Given your family history of hypertension and current lifestyle stressors, your situation makes it all the more significant. Monitoring your blood pressure at home as you’ve been doing is a great start. It can help you observe patterns and understand triggers. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference and they’re worth implementing. Aim to incorporate regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats, manage stress effectively, and ensure adequate, quality sleep. These measures can help moderate your blood pressure. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, they are common culprits of high blood pressure. Keeping a track of your readings over a period can help you and your physician to determine if a further intervention is necessary, such as medication. You might find it helpful to consult your doctor about these lifestyle changes and if you are concerned about your readings, it might be beneficial to have a different healthcare provider review your case or even a specialist in cardiology. They can offer reassurance and tailored advice. While lifestyle changes are crucial, it’s important to follow up with a medical professional to ensure everything aligns with your health requirements, especially given your family history. This combined approach does facilitate in managing blood pressure more effectively and safely.
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