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July 26, 2022 You're young, you're healthy — so does it actually matter that your doctor is concerned about your blood pressure? Even if you're a young adult, you aren't too young to be affected by high blood pressure. In fact, almost half of adults over the age of 20 have elevated or high blood pressure — even if they appear healthy. High blood pressure doesn't cause obvious symptoms, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. "While it might not feel like it, high blood pressure quietly damages your body over time — increasing your risk of developing serious medical conditions," says Dr. Nasir, Chief of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness at Houston Methodist. "It's why we call high blood pressure the silent killer." Plus, having high blood pressure may increase your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19. What your blood pressure numbers meanBlood pressure is the force that blood applies to the walls of arteries as it's pumped throughout the body. "Your arteries are built to withstand some pressure, but there's a limit to what they can handle," says Dr. Nasir. This is why blood pressure is measured and segmented based on how it affects our health. The four blood pressure categories are:
Only normal blood pressure is considered healthy. Having elevated or high blood pressure damages your heart and arteries by:
How does blood pressure affect my health?Even if you're only in your 20s or 30s, long-term studies show that having elevated blood pressure significantly increases your risk of developing serious health conditions later in life. "Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease in middle age, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.," says Dr. Nasir. "It's also a risk factor for stroke, kidney disease and several eye conditions." Plus, high blood pressure affects more than just your health; there are financial implications, too. A person with high blood pressure spends almost $2,000 a year on the associated medications and health costs. These costs skyrocket if high blood pressure is left uncontrolled and serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, result. How do I lower my blood pressure?The steps to lower your blood pressure aren't as painful as you may be thinking. If you smoke, you'll need to stop. Otherwise, lowering your blood pressure is as easy as the "more of this, less of that" approach you're used to hearing about, including:
"Not only may young people be tempted to brush off their elevated or high blood pressure," says Dr. Nasir, "but they are less likely to be diagnosed by doctors during their office visits. Apart from taking steps now to reduce risk factors down the road, its important to discuss with your doctor if your blood pressure is consistently high." Next Steps:
Protect Your Health One of the easiest and most important steps you can take to stay healthy is establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor. Please Enter Email Please Enter Valid Email What is normal blood pressure and what is considered high? If your blood pressure is elevated, what can you do to lower it? Asst Prof Calvin Chin, Senior Consultant from the Department of Cardiology at National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), answers. Blood pressure (BP) readings: What is normal and when is it high blood pressure (hypertension)?Blood pressure (BP) readings are expressed as a ratio of the systolic pressure (the first number or numerator), over the diastolic pressure (the second number or denominator). A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) is expressed verbally as 120 over 80. A healthy blood pressure reading should be lower than 120/80 mmHg. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic (see blood pressure chart below), and may vary from 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg in a healthy young woman. A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure (hypertension).
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"Your BP (blood pressure) doesn’t stay constant throughout the day. It is lowest when you’re sleeping, and rises when you get up and start moving about. It can also go up when you are excited, nervous or physically active," shares Assistant Professor Calvin Chin, Senior Consultant from the Department of Cardiology at National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), a member of the SingHealth group. How to measure blood pressure (BP) at homeYou can measure your own blood pressure at home with a digital blood pressure device that can be purchased at most pharmacies. Read the instructions carefully. You may wish to calibrate your reading with your family doctor. The right time to take the measurement is when you are at rest. Some tips that will help ensure the accuracy of your blood pressure reading include:
See the video below to learn how to measure blood pressure at home.
What to do if your blood pressure (BP) is high"Most times, you will not have any symptoms unless your blood pressure is very high. If your blood pressures are persistently very high (for instance, systolic blood pressure >180mmHg), you should seek medical attention even if you feel well," advises Asst Prof Chin. Uncontrolled blood pressure in this range can be severe and have adverse consequences such as stroke, loss of consciousness, and damage to kidneys, eyes and the heart. If your blood pressure is mildly elevated, doing the following can help bring it under control:
These important lifestyle changes will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall heart health. Facts about blood pressure readingsWhat is blood pressure (BP)?Blood pressure (BP) refers to the force of the body’s blood pushing against the inner walls of the blood vessels, especially the arteries. Each time the heart contracts, it pumps blood into the arteries. What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure?Systolic pressure refers to the blood pressure in the arteries that results when your heart contracts or beats, pushing blood out. When your heart relaxes between beats, blood pressure in the arteries falls. This is the diastolic pressure. Diastolic blood pressure can increase with age as a result of stiffening arteries. More facts on blood pressureResearchers from the Centre for Health Research and Rural Advocacy at Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania have found that time of day and time of year can influence blood pressure readings by as much as 40%. In addition, blood pressure also fluctuates with physical activity and emotional state, it may help make your results more comparable if you measure your blood pressure at the same time everyday, under resting conditions and on more than one occasion. Ref: M19 Check out other articles on blood pressure: Top Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure 3 Foods to Avoid to Prevent High Blood Pressure 4 Foods to Eat to Bring Down High Blood Pressure 5 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally How High Blood Pressure Affects Men and Women Differently Pre-Hypertension: How to Know If You Have It Exercise the Right Way: Exercise Tips to Lower Blood Pressure What is normal blood pressure by age for female?Women aged 21-25 have the lowest normal diastolic reading (115.5-70.5), while women aged 31-35 have the lowest normal systolic reading (110.5/72.5). The age group with the highest normal blood pressure reading in women is between ages 56 and 60 (132.5/78.5).
What is a dangerously high blood pressure for a woman?Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”
What are the signs of high blood pressure in a woman?If your blood pressure is dangerously high, you may have the following symptoms:. headaches.. shortness of breath.. nosebleeds.. chest pain.. visual problems.. dizziness.. |
What is normal blood pressure for female
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