normal bp rate for men - #17447
I am really confused and kinda anxious about my blood pressure lately. I went to my doctor after feeling kinda dizzy and they told me my bp was 140 over 90, which seems high to me, but I always thought that a normal bp rate for men was supposed to be around 120/80, right? I mean, when I checked online, it said something like that. But then I read that age, weight and even activity levels can change what’s consider normal. Like, I’m not super active – work from home, sitting all day – and I’m in my late 40s, which I guess also matters. Sometimes I feel fine but then I have these moments of feeling all weird, like my heart is racing or I can’t catch my breath. I don’t get it. I’m even wondering if I should buy one of those blood pressure monitors at home. Like, do I really need to be worried about this? Is my reading of 140/90 something I should panic about? What's the normal bp rate for men my age? Should I be doing something different to get my rate back to 'normal,' if that's even possible? Just looking for some insights, any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Doctors' responses
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg is classified as stage 1 hypertension, which means it’s higher than the typical target of 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure norms typically hover around 120/80, but it’s true that age, genetics, lifestyle, and other factors can influence your particular ideal range. In your late 40s, it’s not uncommon for people to see changes in their blood pressure numbers, especially if there are factors like weight, activity level, or stress impacting your health. Indeed, living a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to higher blood pressure, as physical inactivity may affect your cardiovascular health over time. Given your symptoms of dizziness and palpitations, it’s essential not to ignore them, even if they’re occasional.
Blood pressure monitors at home can be helpful to keep regular track of your values, seeing patterns, and understanding how various activities or stresses affect you. But it’s not just about the numbers; you need to focus on general lifestyle improvements, too. Increasing physical activity, such as brisk walking, and making dietary changes like reducing sodium intake, limiting alcohol, and eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, can significantly impact your health. Stress management through mindfulness or other techniques is also beneficial.
Since you do have some symptoms that could suggest a more significant issue, it’s wise to continue working with your healthcare provider. Monitoring your blood pressure trends over time and coordinating care can lead to the most personalized and effective management plan. If you’re concerned about your current heart rate and breathing, or if these symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention. Remember, untreated high blood pressure can lead to more severe issues like heart disease or stroke.
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