If you think that blood pressure is nothing to worry about when you’re young, think again. Find out why your blood pressure matters throughout your life.
If you’re young and generally healthy, you might not pay heed to your doctor’s advice about your blood pressure health. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) explains that almost half of adults over 20 years old have elevated or high blood pressure (also known as hypertension).
“While it might not feel like it, high blood pressure quietly damages your body over time – increasing your risk of developing serious medical conditions,” says Dr. Nasir, Chief of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness at Houston Methodist. “It’s why we call high blood pressure the silent killer.”
High Blood Pressure Explained
High blood pressure is when your blood pressure levels increase due to blood clotting, plaque formation, and more. “Your arteries are built to withstand some pressure, but there’s a limit to what they can handle,” says Nasir. There are four blood pressure categories:
- Normal: lower than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: between 120-129/80 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 1: between 130-139/80-90 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 2: 140/90 mmHg or higher
If you have even just elevated blood pressure, you’re forcing your heart to pump harder, which causes a thicker heart muscle that doesn’t function as well. In addition, you’ll be narrowing and hardening your arteries, which will limit the normal flow of your blood.
Blood Pressure and Your Health
It’s important to pay attention to your blood pressure even if you’re in your 20s or 30s. “Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease in middle age, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.,” says Nasir. “It’s also a risk factor for stroke, kidney disease, and several eye conditions.”
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower your blood pressure and improve your health. But whatever you do, don’t ignore your condition. “Not only may young people be tempted to brush off their elevated or high blood pressure,” says Nasir, “but they are less likely to be diagnosed by doctors during their office visits. Apart from taking steps now to reduce risk factors down the road, it’s important to discuss with your doctor if your blood pressure is consistently high.”
Start by getting plenty of exercise and eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium. Also, make sure you limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day for men and two per day for women. As a result of these practices, you may also lose weight, which can improve your blood pressure as well.
Lastly, you can try Circulation Boost, which is a circulation supplement. It contains l-arginine and combines it with other vitamins and minerals to promote circulation, blood flow, and so much more. Give your health the support it needs by taking care of your blood pressure now and taking Circulation Boost.