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What Does This BP Reading Of 149/88 In Old Age Indicate?
Question: I just had my blood pressure tested by a nurse. I do not feel ill. In fact, I feel very good for my age (66). I only made an appointment with the nurse because I am going on holiday to Thailand in March and wanted to see if I needed injections. I was actually surprised when she asked to take my blood pressure. Anyway, she said my blood pressure was a bit high. She said 149/88 and advised me to have it checked again a month or so after I return from holiday (which would be about 10 weeks from now). Googling after I got back from nurse got me a bit worried as it seems a reading of 149/88 means I have level 1 hypertension and on borderline for needing medication. I would like if possible to reduce my blood pressure to healthy level before I see her again, in order to avoid being put on long-term medication. I am a bit sceptical about medications in general and worry about their long-term side-effects. Accordingly, I have very rarely taken medications in my life. I am aged 66, still working, in good health. I don't smoke or drink. I do a little heart-pumping exercise (just 10-15 mins , 3-4 times a week), but I walk miles daily (as I don't drive) and I ski quite a lot. However, I'm about 20 pounds overweight. Can you advise? Is it realistic to get my blood pressure down to normal range by lifestyle changes alone and thus avoid medication? And, if so, what lifestyle changes do you recommend?
Brief Answer:
Your Blood pressure is normal.
Detailed Answer:
HI
Greeting from Dr. Divakara.P
First of all thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic for posting your query.
First of all the normal acceptable upper range of Blood pressure for people of more than 60 years age is 150/90 . So your Blood pressure is quite normal for your age .
Also blood pressure keeps varying so a repeat check of your Blood pressure may come even less ( it may even come more ) So just wait and get it checked again as advised by your nurse.
Tips to bring blood pressure low :
1. Low Salt diet : Reduce the intake of salt in your food . Avoid Pickles , Canned food , Chips , Salt biscuits , French fries etc.
2. Eat more of fruits , vegetables and drink plenty of water.
3. Do aerobic exercises like Brisk walking , Jogging , Running , Cycling or Swimming at least 30 minutes every day.
Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarifications feel free to ask .
Regards.
Your Blood pressure is normal.
Detailed Answer:
HI
Greeting from Dr. Divakara.P
First of all thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic for posting your query.
First of all the normal acceptable upper range of Blood pressure for people of more than 60 years age is 150/90 . So your Blood pressure is quite normal for your age .
Also blood pressure keeps varying so a repeat check of your Blood pressure may come even less ( it may even come more ) So just wait and get it checked again as advised by your nurse.
Tips to bring blood pressure low :
1. Low Salt diet : Reduce the intake of salt in your food . Avoid Pickles , Canned food , Chips , Salt biscuits , French fries etc.
2. Eat more of fruits , vegetables and drink plenty of water.
3. Do aerobic exercises like Brisk walking , Jogging , Running , Cycling or Swimming at least 30 minutes every day.
Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarifications feel free to ask .
Regards.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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