Why does age increase blood pressure

Included were 32, participants from ages 5 to They found that differences between men and women start early and persist with aging. Women were found to have a steeper rise in blood pressure, starting in their 30s and continuing throughout life.

Nakano told Healthline that hormonal changes after menopause increase the risk of heart disease for women. This includes your heart and blood vessels. Lifestyle factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity, and sleep deprivation. Some with hypertension may need a more stringent goal of 1.

A healthy blood pressure reading is one where the systolic blood pressure the top number is less than and diastolic blood pressure the bottom number is less than Systolic blood pressure of to and diastolic blood pressure higher than 80 is considered elevated. Anything above that is considered hypertension. Liu recommends that all adults over age 18 have their blood pressure screened at least once a year.

Those with diagnosed high blood pressure should be checked more frequently. She suggests sitting down for 5 minutes, then taking your blood pressure three times. If you have a good machine, the three readings should be similar. In some people with additional cardiovascular risk factors, that threshold is even lower.

Experts say you don't have to necessarily get in 10, steps. Walston JD. Common clinical sequelae of aging. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Updated by: David C. Editorial team. Aging changes in the heart and blood vessels.

Watch this video about: Blood flow. Alternative Names. Taking your carotid pulse Circulation of blood through the heart Radial pulse Normal heart anatomy cut section Effects of age on blood pressure. Heart Diseases Read more. Older Adult Health Read more.

Medically Reviewed. Blood pressure numbers are an important health indicator, which is why many doctors recommend monitoring them at home as you age. Plus, the ranges of numbers that indicate high, low and normal blood pressure vary based on your age. Blood pressure is the force that drives blood through arteries as the heart pumps, delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues throughout the body.

A normal blood pressure reading is essential for your organs to work well and avoid damage. Blood pressure can change depending on your age, health conditions and other lifestyle factors. Keeping an eye on these numbers is important because when your blood pressure rises or falls rapidly—or remains high or low for an extended period of time—it can be a sign of poor health and lead to serious health consequences, including an increased risk of premature death.

One way to easily keep tabs on your blood pressure is with an at-home blood pressure monitor. In fact, many of the at-home monitors on our Best Blood Pressure Monitors Of ranking tout features that make it easy to interpret whether your blood pressure is elevated or within normal range via color-coded readings. A blood pressure reading features two numbers: a top number, which is called systolic blood pressure, and a bottom number, which is called diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure measures how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls. When the heart contracts, it pumps extra blood into the circulatory system, increasing the pressure. That increase is measured by systolic blood pressure. Zocdoc helps you find and book top-rated doctors, on demand. Visit them in their offices, or video chat with them from home.

Diastolic pressure then measures the pressure within the system when the heart is at rest, says Dr. Systolic blood pressure is the peak pressure during a heartbeat while diastolic blood pressure is the lowest pressure between heartbeats when the heart relaxes briefly. Heart disease and stroke statistics — update. American Heart Association Journal. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When it comes to race and ethnicity, Dr. Desai says certain groups have a higher rate of hypertension. There are five blood pressure stages: normal and four specific stages of hypertension, which range from very treatable to urgent. People with a blood pressure range of 90 to systolic and 60 to 80 diastolic have normal blood pressure, says Dr. A systolic reading below 90 signifies low blood pressure. A blood pressure reading of to systolic and less than 80 diastolic signifies elevated blood pressure and, thus, a higher probability of developing hypertension.

It also results in [the] micro-tearing of the artery wall, leading to cholesterol deposition atherosclerosis. This leads to [the] narrowing of the vessel and further elevation of blood pressure.

Hypertension Stage I is defined by a systolic reading of to and a diastolic reading of 80 to Wong says while doctors initially treat this stage of hypertension by suggesting a healthier lifestyle—eating more vegetables and whole grains, using less salt, increasing physical activity and controlling stress—medications may be needed if blood pressure falls in this range on multiple readings over a period of time in people with other cardiovascular risk factors.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity and eating saturated fats.

Hypertension Stage II is marked by a systolic reading of at least and diastolic reading of at least Still, this stage of hypertension is more serious than the former and should be watched carefully.

A hypertensive crisis is an emergency situation and occurs when the systolic blood pressure reading exceeds and the diastolic reading exceeds Gain portability without compromising accuracy. Check your blood pressure anywhere, anytime with Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors.

The cause of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is often unknown. It develops over time and often happens as a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC. Other conditions like pregnancy, diabetes and obesity can also increase your risk.