- \n
- Which Number is More Important?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who Is at Risk?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What You Can Do<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Systolic blood pressure (the first or top number) \u2013 indicates how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls when your heart is beating. With normal blood pressure, this number should be 120<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Diastolic blood pressure (the second or bottom number) \u2013 indicates how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls while your heart is resting between beats. This number should be 80.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In some people, the system that regulates blood pressure\ngoes awry for a number of reasons. Arteries stay constricted and drive up the\npressure in the larger blood vessels. Recent studies have revealed that both\nnumbers are important to closely monitor. Make sure you do the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which Number Is More Important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Both blood pressure numbers tend to creep up with age. Historically, more attention was given to the systolic blood pressure as a major risk factor since age increases stiffness in the arteries and plaque builds up. Now it\u2019s recognized that both numbers are important. In fact, your risk for serious heart<\/a> concerns doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic that it increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who Is at Risk?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Blood pressure issues are common in the United States, typically 1 in 3 adults struggle with it. Here are some of the risk factors: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You’re more likely to develop blood pressure issues<\/a><\/span> if you\u2019re overweight<\/a> or obese. This factor is one you can control with a reduced diet and exercise plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gender <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More men than women develop blood pressure concerns, so men,\ntake note! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you’re a male over 45 or a female over 55, you’re at\nincreased risk. More than half of all Americans aged 60 and older have blood\npressure concerns, especially with a high systolic number (the top number). The\ngood news is that blood pressure concerns don\u2019t have to be accepted as a\n\u201cnormal\u201d part of aging. Diet and lifestyle changes can help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Race\/Ethnicity <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While blood pressure concerns can affect any race, it\u2019s more\ncommon in African Americans who often have more severe cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unhealthy Lifestyle\nHabits <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Too much salt in the diet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sedentary lifestyle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drinking too much alcohol <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Not getting enough potassium<\/a><\/strong> in your diet <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Smoking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Genetics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can\u2019t change your family history, so if close relatives\nworry about their blood pressure numbers, then you should closely monitor yours\ntoo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that in many cases there is no\nclearly identifiable risk factor, so no one is exempt from this important\nhealth concern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nWhat You Can Do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Lose weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exercise regularly<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eat a healthy diet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce sodium\u00a0in your\u00a0diet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limit the amount\u00a0of\u00a0alcohol you drink<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quit smoking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cut back on caffeine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce\u00a0your\u00a0stress<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor regularly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get support from friends and family<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
If your blood pressure is already in the normal range\u2026and you want to keep it that way, in addition to the above, you may want to check out nutritional supplements specifically developed to support healthy blood pressure<\/a><\/span>. For more ideas, check these out<\/span>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Smoking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Who Is at Risk?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Browse](\"https:\/\/www.botanicchoice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/blood-pressure-cta.jpg\")
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