standard blood pressure level - #20619
I am a bit confused about the standard blood pressure level stuff. Like, I went to the doc last week because I kept feeling dizzy and kind of breathless. They did a check and said my blood pressure was like 140 over 90 or something, and then they mentioned that it might be high. I thought I was pretty healthy since I eat okay and exercise a bit, but now I'm wondering what even is a standard blood pressure level? Everyone keeps talking about how it should be under 120 over 80, but I'm not sure how I stack up against that. My aunt had similar issues, and she ended up on meds, and I don’t want to go that route. Honestly, I’ve tried to find info online, but it’s all over the place. Can someone help me get a clear picture of what a standard blood pressure level is? Is there a way to lower it naturally without pills? I mean, is stress a huge factor? I got a lot going on with work and family and all that, and that definitely doesn’t help! Any tips for getting it down or things I should watch out for? Just feeling lost here and could really use some clarity on what to do next.
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Doctors' responses
The standard blood pressure level is typically considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. Your reading of 140/90 mmHg indicates stage 1 hypertension, which is mildly elevated but still warrants attention, especially since you’re experiencing symptoms like dizziness and breathlessness. While it’s good that you’ve maintained a relatively healthy lifestyle, there are multiple factors that can affect blood pressure, including stress, genetics, diet, and physical activity. Stress is indeed a significant factor, and managing it could be beneficial for lowering blood pressure. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and other stress-reduction practices could potentially help. In addition to stress management, consider making some dietary adjustments like reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium-rich foods (like bananas and spinach), and ensuring you eat a good variety of fruits and vegetables. Regular physical activity is also crucial—aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, spread across most days if possible. It’s important to limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking as well. Monitoring your blood pressure at home might also help you understand how lifestyle changes are impacting your readings. However, if you find that these measures don’t help or your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s vital to follow up with your doctor to discuss potential treatments. Sometimes medication is needed to control high blood pressure effectively and prevent complications, even if it’s not the preferred route initially. Keep in mind that addressing hypertension is a combination of lifestyle changes and, sometimes, pharmacological intervention, so stay open to discussing all options with your healthcare provider.
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