Do You Actually Have High Blood Pressure?
The words “your blood pressure is elevated” are not something you want to hear coming from your doctor. But for millions of Americans diagnosed with hypertension, this is exactly what they hear. It turns out the older you become, the higher risk you are at for your blood pressure level numbers to climb into the danger zone. Some patients may even doubt that they have high blood pressure at all. Do you really have high blood pressure?
What is Considered Normal Blood Pressure?
For most adults blood pressure readings of 120/80 are considered to be normal. However, the American Heart Association recommends adults between the ages of 65 to 79 should have a blood pressure reading of 140/90 and adults who are 80 years old and higher should have blood pressure levels ranging between 140/90 to 145/90.
How Do You Know if You Really Have High Blood pressure?
Your blood pressure should be taken by a professional such as medical staff at your doctor’s office and local hospital or at your local paramedic fire station that provide readings. When you arrive at the location of your choice to get your blood pressure taken, make sure you sit down and rest for about five or ten minutes. Often, you will have your blood pressure taken when you are sitting down and again when you are standing up. This gives you a clear reading that helps to detect if you are experiencing high blood pressure.
Your doctor will usually recommend that you use an easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor. It allows you to check your blood pressure throughout the day. You will need to note all of your readings and report them to your doctor during your next visit. This home testing device will help your doctor determine if masked hypertension or white coat hypertension can be ruled out.
What is White Coat and Masked Hypertension?
The white coat hypertension and masked hypertension phenomenon is very familiar to doctors. White coat hypertension is when a patient’s blood pressure tends to shoot up when tested at the doctor’s office. The masked hypertension condition is when a patient’s blood pressure readings may show as normal while being tested at the doctor’s office, then elevate as soon as they arrive home.
Is Blood Pressure Medication Always Needed?
Doctors diagnose patients with hypertension on a daily basis. Generally, the discussion will begin with lifestyle and diet changes. If the doctor feels that you will be able to stabilize your blood pressure with diet changes, you will try this for a specific time frame determined by your doctor. Once you return to check your blood pressure again, the doctor will be able to notice if the lifestyle changes resulted in improvements.
There will be times that your doctor may feel that your blood pressure is out of control and is putting you at risk for heart issues and stroke. During this time, your doctor may choose to prescribe medication to help you lower blood pressure levels. While these medications are helpful, most have side effects and doctors generally encourage their patients to only use them for a short time if possible. Your doctor will always be able to determine if prescription medication is suitable for your specific condition.
Other Options for Healthy Blood Pressure
Natural blood pressure supplements are increasingly becoming popular among patients. You can discuss natural supplements that will help stabilize blood pressure. A popular choice is PD120. This natural supplement does not have side effects and helps maintain healthy blood pressure. It also improves strength, energy levels, libido and motivation. Always discuss adding supplements to your daily regime with your doctor before actually taking them.
Stabilizing Blood Pressure
Stabilizing your blood pressure can become a balancing act. Your doctor will work with you and try a variety of things that are best suited for your specific health issues. Following your doctor’s instructions is essential to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Blood Pressure
Generally, your doctor will inquire about what type of lifestyle you live. Do you smoke, drink, exercise? Depending on your answers, your doctor will recommend changes that will benefit your blood pressure. Reducing stress in your life, coping with stress better, eating healthy, exercising and quit smoking are common recommendations.
Choosing to eat a healthy diet and exercising on a daily basis will help to improve your overall health and have a positive impact on your blood pressure. Just thirty minutes per day of exercise can keep you fit and your body filled with energy. Exercising is also a mood booster and will help you cope with stress better.
If you are not sure if you have high blood pressure or not, visit your doctor to get checked. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, don’t panic, take action immediately and discuss your options with your doctor. Don’t forget to mention PD120, since it helps maintain healthy blood pressure and has a variety of other benefits.