Blood Pressure and Aging
Two thirds of those 45 and older have high blood pressure (hypertension).
So – for the majority of us aging means high blood pressure.
What readings constitute high blood pressure?
The table below gives the current blood pressure classification. Your class is determined by highest class of either your of your numbers.
| Class | Systolic mm Hg |
Diastolic mm Hg |
| Normal | less than 120 | less than 80 |
| Prehypertensive * | 120-139 | 80-89 |
| High - Stage 1 | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| High - Stage 2 | 160 and higher | 100 and higher |
* In those with diabetes or kidney disease the prehypertensive range is smaller, with pressure of 130/80 and above being considered high blood pressure.
Untreated high blood pressure is damaging
High blood pressure has no symptoms. Blood pressure that is not controlled is harming your body. There are a number of serious consequences of long term uncontrolled high blood pressure including stroke (brain attack), heart failure, and both eye and kidney damage. It is important to find out as soon as possible when blood pressure starts to rise, and then control it.
Detecting high blood pressure
The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to measure it. Most people get their blood pressure measured at their physician’s office.
In a clinical setting many people get what is known as white coat hypertension. This is a short-lived slight increase in blood pressure when having blood pressure measured. White coat hypertension is not going to make blood pressure go from 120/80 to 160/100 but importantly may move you over the border from normal to prehypertensive.
The blood pressure measuring devices in supermarkets can get out of calibration, so to check your blood pressure yourself the best option is a home blood pressure monitor. If you do not have a blood pressure monitor, ask around since so many people have high blood pressure there are bound to be friends and family who have high blood pressure who have one. If you have high blood pressure and want to monitor there are many very well priced models, check out Amazon.
Make sure that you follow the guidelines for measuring blood pressure. Many things can temporarily increase blood pressure.
Next, how to lower your blood pressure.
