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High Blood Pressure and Aging

As we get older our blood pressure tends to raise. This rising shifts at different stages of our lives. With infants and babies, the blood pressure is fairly low, but there are rapid (though normal) increases as we grow into childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

Studies conducted on the population of different countries shows a trend of an average blood pressure rising slowly upwards between the ages of 20-45 in both sexes followed by a more rapid rise in people as they get into their 70’s.

However the “normal” blood pressure for a person aged between their early 20’s and old age may be considerably less than these studies imply, because it’s been suggested that those people who remain disease free throughout their adult life do not necessarily see a blood pressure rise as they get older.

High fat fast food, sedentary lifestyles and stress, cause people to develop some type of blood vessel disorder especially throughout their adult life. As they get older, they become more prone to these types of blood vessel disease with a corresponding raise in their blood pressure.

As these illnesses are mirrored by a person’s blood pressure, then if they are ill, their blood pressure will probably be elevated. As a vast majority of the population of western countries do suffer from some form of disease or illness associated with their lifestyle especially as they get older, the results of any population studies are probably skewed.

So what do we need to do to make sure our blood pressure remains within normal limits as we get older? The answer is very simple, take a step back and take a good look at both ourselves and our lifestyle.

Too many people living in western society live a fast food convenience lifestyle which is having big effects on our health. We eat way too much saturated fat and salt, and as lots of us have very sedentary jobs where we sit at computers all day most of us don’t get anywhere near enough exercise to reduce the effects.

It is estimated that within the next 10-20 years, there will be a large increase of health related problems within western society and this will place a huge burden on medical facilities in any given country. The increase in heart related disease (including hypertension) will raise many times the level they are at now if we don’t do something about it.

Start by eating a healthier and more balanced diet, followed very closely by a rise in fitness levels through doing more exercise. Most of us will have to make a conscious effort to take more exercise, but even just taking the dog for a brisk walk once a day can reap benefits such as weight loss, lowered blood pressure and a general feeling of well being. Start today and look forward to a healthier lifestyle.

For More Health Care Information:
High Blood Pressure And Stress