My Blood Pressure is Creeping Up As I Get Older. What Can I do to Better Manage it and Still Enjoy Life?

My Blood Pressure is Creeping Up As I Get Older. What Can I do to Better Manage it and Still Enjoy Life?

ou might not be spending your Friday nights on the dance floor anymore, but there are plenty of other reasons to maintain good health to stay sprightly. Life does not end when you start running down the other side of the hill, but health problems do start to creep up as you age. One of the most common ailments for men over 40 is increased blood pressure. While it is normal for blood pressure to creep up as you get older, you do have to be proactive about keeping your blood pressure under control.

When To Seek Medical Advice

There are some symptoms of high blood pressure that can clue you in. Getting in tune with your body is not as easy as it seems, but jotting down a few notes about unusual symptoms that you are experiencing lets you notice any concerning patterns.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of high blood pressure that you can pinpoint by writing yourself notes about your health.

• Frequent headaches

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Pain in the chest

• Difficulty breathing

• Nausea

• Vomiting

These symptoms can be relate to a wide range of serious conditions, so it is important for you to consult with your medical provider if you are experiencing one of more of these symptoms.

The Importance of Health Screenings

How do you know for sure that you are suffering from high blood pressure? The symptoms listed above can give you a clue, but the only way to really know is by having a health screening. There are many reasons to get an annual checkup, and ensuring that your blood pressure is in line is just one of them.

High blood pressure does not always come with discernible symptoms. There are complications that can be experienced as a result of this health issue, so it is important for you to go to a doctor at least once each year to have your health assessed. Here are some of the more serious complications of high blood pressure.

• High blood pressure has been linked to a thickening in the arteries, and it is possible for people who have high blood pressure to have a heart attack if the condition is not properly treated.

• An increase in blood pressure may cause bulges in the blood vessels that can lead to an aneurysm. This is a life-threatening condition that is more likely to occur when blood pressure is unregulated.

• The heart works harder to pump blood when blood pressure is high. Since the heart is a muscle, having to work harder causes a thickening. Heart failure may result.

• Men who are over 40 often experience a loss of cognitive function that they believe is related to aging. However, high blood pressure may actually be to blame for loss of concentration or difficulty remembering.

• High blood pressure puts men at an increased risk for developing diabetes.

As you can see, there are many complications of high blood pressure that can lead to serious or even fatal conditions. Health screenings detect high blood pressure sooner to ensure that you are given the chance to get your blood pressure under control well before you experience one of these complications.

Tips For Managing Blood Pressure

Some people need medication to regulate blood pressure, so it is important for you to discuss your options with a medical provider. However, there are natural ways to reduce blood pressure that work for many people. Here are some tips for you to try at home before you go in for your annual appointment.

• Get rid of any extra weight that you are carrying around. Even if you have been used to being a healthy weight, the pounds start to sneak up on you after you hit 40. You might not be aware that you are carrying around 10 extra pounds, and being even a little overweight can cause a wide range of health problems.

• Engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day can significantly reduce your blood pressure. Many people find that losing excess weight and exercising regularly is a combination that works to regulate blood pressure without medication.

• Reduce your sodium intake. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult goal to achieve. Packaged foods are typically very high in sodium, so you will probably have to make some dietary changes to reduce sodium to an appropriate level.

• Limit your alcohol intake if you are used to having a drink each day. Red wine actually helps to lower blood pressure, but this benefit is only enjoyed if you stick with small amounts of this particular beverage. Excess alcohol consumption works to raise your blood pressure, so stick with having a drink other than a small glass of red wine only during special occasions.

• Smoking actually increases blood pressure for up to an hour after you smoke. While this rise is temporary, people who smoke frequently can experience a constant increase in blood pressure due to smoking. Quitting is the best option, and smoking cessation has many other health benefits that you should take advantage of as well.

• Stress is one factor leading to high blood pressure that may seem impossible to manage. While you have obligations that may stress you out, it is important for you to find a way to unwind for better overall health. Meditating, practicing yoga, exercising and getting a massage are all effective methods of managing stress.