A number of popular myths about heart disease have been busted by Biospace. Among them is the myth that blood pressure rises with age:
“As we age, our blood pressure rises, and it is ok”
The prevalence of high blood pressure increases with age, but it does not mean it is normal. The first thing you can do is reduce the salt in your diet. Because salt is in so many food products, you may not pay attention to it. Using a salt substitute or stopping adding salt to your food will reduce salt intake.
Exercise also contributes to weight loss. You lower your blood pressure by about a millimeter of mercury (mmHG) for every one to two pounds you lose. Medications are prescribed when systolic pressure – the upper number – is 140 or higher, and medical textbooks consider 120/80mmHg a normal reading.
