average bp level for male - #15414
I am kinda worried about my blood pressure lately. I mean, I've always thought I was pretty healthy until a few weeks ago when I went for my annual check-up. The doctor said my average bp level for male was higher than what he expected, like 145/90 or something, and that just freaked me out a bit. I read somewhere that the average bp level for male should be around 120/80, right? I don’t know, maybe I’m just overthinking it. I don't have a family history of hypertension, but I do work long hours and my diet's not the best, lots of takeout and coffee. Oddly, I felt fine that morning, didn't have any headaches or anything! But now I can't shake off the worry. Should I be measuring my average bp level for male more regularly? Or maybe I just need to change my lifestyle a bit? I’m also not sure how much the stress from work impacts my bp. I’m really curious, what’s the average bp level for male that’s considered normal? Is there anything specific I should be looking out for? I hate the idea of just relying on meds if I can fix things myself, you know?
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Doctors’ responses
You’re right in noting that a normal blood pressure reading is generally considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg. Your reading of 145/90 mm Hg is classified as stage 1 hypertension, which means it’s higher than normal and could benefit from some lifestyle changes. It’s quite common for factors like stress, diet, and lack of exercise to impact blood pressure. Since you mention working long hours and consuming a lot of takeout and coffee, these could be contributing to elevated levels. Reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, and incorporating regular physical activity, like brisk walking or jogging for 30 minutes a day, can be very beneficial. Cutting down on caffeine and managing stress through techniques such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises might also help. To properly monitor your blood pressure, it’s a good idea to take readings at different times of the day, avoiding caffeine and exercise for at least 30 minutes before measuring. If your readings consistently stay high, consult your doctor about considering medication, but it’s okay to focus on lifestyle changes first. However, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like severe headaches, vision problems, or chest pain, as these can be signs of a hypertensive crisis. Regular monitoring along with lifestyle adjustments should give you a clearer picture and help manage your blood pressure effectively without too much reliance on medications initially. Remember, it’s essential to have a practical, balanced approach that fits into your daily life.
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