A study determined that among the 331 million population in America, 103 million people suffer from high blood pressure, and people aged 40 and above are more at the risk of having heart problems when they get old. So it’s mandatory to take care of your health now to prevent high blood pressure in your 40s. Before discovering its prevention method, get to know about what is high blood pressure and its causes & risk factors.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against the wall of your blood vessels. Blood pressure can be classified into lower blood pressure and higher blood pressure.                  

  • Lower blood pressure – Hypotension
  • Higher blood pressure – Hypertension

The blood pressure reading is measured in millimeters of mg (mmHg) and it is expressed as a systolic pressure(upper), the force of blood against the artery walls as your heartbeats, and diastolic pressure(lower), the blood pressure between the arteries.

 High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a long term medical condition which causes higher blood pressure in the arteries. It is also known as hypertension. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Hence it is dangerous but it can be maintained by a proper diet. 

Stages of High Blood Pressure             

MALE / FEMALESystolic pressure

(mmHg)

Diastolic pressure

(mmHg)

NormalLess than120Less than 80
Prehypertension120-13980-89
                                             High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Stage 1130-13980-89 
Stage 2 160 or higher110 or higher 
Stage 3

(Hypertensive case)

Higher than 180Higher than 110

 

If the blood pressure is above the normal range you have to consult the doctor immediately. Untreated high blood pressure will cause various complications in your body.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

People with hypertension will not have an exact single reason for the cause of high blood pressure. But it may be due to the following causes in both men and women.

In Male

  • High salt intake
  • Lack of exercise
  • Stress
  • Uncontrolled food habit
  • Diabetes & cholesterol
  • Alcohol consumption & Smoking
  • Tobacco usage

In Female

  • High salt intake
  • Lack of exercise
  • Stress
  • Uncontrolled food habit
  • Diabetes & cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy & Menopause

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure 

Hypertension is a silent condition that shows no symptoms. But it causes some other health issues if it is untreated. So it is compulsory to have a regular check-up. These symptoms are attributed to some other disorder caused by high blood pressure.

  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Nose bleed
  • Loss of eyesight
  • Chest pain

Risk of High Blood Pressure 

The study found out that people who have high blood pressure at the age of 40 and below are more at the risk of having heart problems when they get older. Untreated hypertension will cause the following risks in both men and women.

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Kidney failure
  • Eyesight problem
  • Nerve & brain damage
  • Adrenal and thyroid disorder

Simple Diet and Lifestyle to Prevent High Blood Pressure in Your 40s

You will be at an increased risk for high blood pressure if you haven’t controlled your food habits and normal lifestyle at the age of 30. Yeah, 30 is the age where you have to start giving priority to your health and food habits. That’s when your body will start to deteriorate. A healthy diet plan will help you to prevent high blood pressure and other complications. The following foods and tips will help you to restrain and lower high blood pressure 

Foods to Include

These foods contain high fiber, healthy potassium, and nitrates which help you to lower & protect from blood pressure.

  • Dark-colored fruits and veggies
  • Salmon and fatty fishes
  • Dry fruits 
  • Herbs and spices
  • Chia & flax seeds

 Foods to Exclude

  • Salt and Sodium
  • Sugary foods
  • High saturated fats
  • Junk foods 
  • Canned foods

 Basic Tips to Avoid Health Issues

  • Exercise regularly
  • Relieve your stress
  • Avoid beverages
  • Monitor your health
  • Take medications

Being healthy is the main motto for happiness. In order to lead a healthy life, you must avoid some unhealthy habits. If you have high blood pressure and heart problems follow the above-mentioned tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle without medications.