What should be the ideal blood pressure reading for men, according to their age?

Blood pressure, the force exerted by the heart as it pumps blood throughout the body, requires regular monitoring to ensure it remains within a healthy range. Understanding systolic pressure (the force pushing blood out) and diastolic pressure (pressure in arteries between heartbeats) is crucial in discussions about blood pressure.

Regular blood pressure checks are recommended, especially for individuals diagnosed with high or low blood pressure. Lavleen Kaur, head nutritionist and founder of Diet Insight, underscores the importance of tracking numbers to identify patterns and changes. Monitoring progress over time helps assess the effectiveness of lifestyle, diet, and fitness improvements.

Distinguishing between high and low blood pressure is essential. Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of exercise are associated with high blood pressure. Kaur advises addressing lifestyle factors, emphasizing adequate activity, healthy sleep patterns, and stress reduction. Dietary adjustments, including increased potassium intake, are recommended to maintain a balance with sodium for healthy blood flow.

Kaur dispels the notion of completely eliminating salt, emphasizing the need to limit processed salt while incorporating potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, poppy seeds, and watermelon seeds. Electrolyte balance can be maintained through sufficient water intake or consumption of green juices with ingredients like spinach and beetroot.

For low blood pressure, characterized by sudden drops and symptoms like blurred vision and dizziness, remedies include chewing tulsi leaves or consuming a mixture of lemon water with rock salt and jaggery for an instant boost. Long-term benefits can be derived from foods like almonds, raisins, and a small amount of caffeine.

Managing blood pressure isn’t straightforward, given the potential combinations of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is advisable to consult a dietician or doctor for personalized advice. In cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient, medications may be necessary to control high blood pressure, depending on severity and overall health.

Normal blood pressure readings for men, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), are 119/70 mmHg for ages 18 to 39, 124/77 mmHg for ages 40 to 59, and 133/69 mmHg for ages 60 and above. Systolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number) provide a comprehensive understanding of blood pressure, such as “145 over 90” (145/90 mmHg).