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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is My Blood Pressure Normal For My Age?

I'm a 62 year old male and I am a farmer by occupation. I work outdoors in fresh air and am phisically fit for my age or so I though.I resently asked my Doc. to check my blood pressure as I experienced a bit of a heart flotter one day She checked it and said it was normal for my age 150 over 80 and I,m questioning that . I have always been told 120 over 70 was the norm. please clarify
Thu, 2 May 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

At present there is no specified age range when dealing with blood pressure. A blood pressure reading is grouped as normal, prehypertensive ( the person does not have high blood pressure as yet but is at risk), stage 1 high blood pressure and stage 2 high blood pressure.

A normal reading is a top value (systolic pressure) of less than 120 and a lower value (diastolic) of less than 80.

Prehypertension: systolic 120- 139 OR diastolic 80- 89
Stage 1: systolic 140-159 OR diastolic 90-99
Stage 2: systolic > 160 OR diastolic >100

Your reading would place you in the stage 1 category.
It is admirable to be concerned because even a small increase in blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of heart disease or stroke.

Since you are physically active you may have to focus on dietary changes such as salt reduction, increased use of fruits and vegetables, increased use of water, eliminating juice and sodas, using low fat products.
There is a diet called the DASH diet that has been designed for persons with high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure remains elevated despite the dietary changes then you need to consider the use of medication. The goal is less than 140/90 but if you can achieve lower that would be good.

I hope this helps
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Is My Blood Pressure Normal For My Age?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic At present there is no specified age range when dealing with blood pressure. A blood pressure reading is grouped as normal, prehypertensive ( the person does not have high blood pressure as yet but is at risk), stage 1 high blood pressure and stage 2 high blood pressure. A normal reading is a top value (systolic pressure) of less than 120 and a lower value (diastolic) of less than 80. Prehypertension: systolic 120- 139 OR diastolic 80- 89 Stage 1: systolic 140-159 OR diastolic 90-99 Stage 2: systolic 160 OR diastolic 100 Your reading would place you in the stage 1 category. It is admirable to be concerned because even a small increase in blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Since you are physically active you may have to focus on dietary changes such as salt reduction, increased use of fruits and vegetables, increased use of water, eliminating juice and sodas, using low fat products. There is a diet called the DASH diet that has been designed for persons with high blood pressure. If your blood pressure remains elevated despite the dietary changes then you need to consider the use of medication. The goal is less than 140/90 but if you can achieve lower that would be good. I hope this helps