What BP are people aiming for?

[Richard9999]

I recently reduced my BP medication (took one less pill) as I was fed up with the increased side effects as my doses were steadily increased because I wasn't hitting the numbers.

My GP seemed obsessed with getting it below 120/80 as this is the top end of normal and I ended up with an average of 115/69 but didn't feel great. Average now 125/77.

I have set myself a goal of 130/80 for a 51 year male which should be achievable with much less side effects.

Does anyone else have a target that they work to other than the usual GP criteria?

[Happyrosie]

the Charity Blood Pressure UK shows a graph on their website. Of the recommended levels. Presumably based on solid stats

There are communities in various places in the world where a lot of people live long and , crucially, healthy lives. Their bp is monitored and from my recollection of an article these people are in the 100 to 120 area even in their eighties. Unmedicated

I was 100/65 ish last week and docs pharmacist asked me to halve my already minimum dose. Cutting pill in half. We shall see what this does.

I’m sure you already know about diet hydration and exercise

[Madlegs1]

Check out a recent report on this.

The Sprint trial for afib. Nhbi.

%20lower,of%20death%20by%2027%20percent.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/systo...

[Happyrosie in reply to Madlegs1]

Wow Madlegs1 this is interesting!

[TheJazzSinger in reply to Madlegs1]

However in the UK our levels for treating BP are higher and certainly with older people.

[valspia in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you for sharing that! Very interesting.

[Richard9999]

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Not sure if this is the same version but it says that any additional risk with BP starts at 115/75 so no idea why you would necessary need to be below this figure especially if meds had strong side effects and readings in the 120 range would be ok-ish.

Happyrosie - 100/65 - did you not feel a bit dizzy!

[Happyrosie in reply to Richard9999]

I felt tired when it was low. Upped the meds again and am feeling less tired. But at the same time I’ve upped my painkilling meds(for arthritis) as the arthritis pain had been getting me down.

So I can’t be sure exactly which meds are having the effect of making me feel - well much better!

[Madlegs1]

Yes- same report.!

[Collywobbles64]

When I was younger doctors were more than happy with 120/80. It was even considered that I was a cool customer. When did that figure change to being the top end of normal. If you are dizzy that would indicate your bp is low but what do I know - I’m not a doctor!

[Richard9999]

Yep - agree dizzy may have been a sign my bp was getting too low.

No idea when things changed - normal range is now 90/60 to 120/80 and pre-hypertension 121/81 to 140/90.

[TheJazzSinger in reply to Richard9999]

I don’t think that’s the case in the UK

[katieoxo60]

Hi Richard I have high blood pressure controlled with one drug . It was 140/70 when I was in my 20s . It reduced some by coming off the birth pill in my thirties . at which time I was put on pills . I am now in my 70s and its still higher than the charts say . So first thing is to stop worrying about it and aim for the target you have set yourself that is well within the range of the charts in my opinion. Good luck. I presume you have no other illness.

[Brisk61]

Hi Richard, it’s a study I have seen before ,it looks at the optimal B/P to reduce the Cardiovascular, kidney function & cognition risks,it’s very specific. A low B/P caused by medications brings its own risks as we age,falls,fatigue,poor quality of life etc. The reality for most people is a higher B/P as we get older. My GP practice in London is happy with a B/P of 140/90 or lower if on medication. I run at 130/70 and live a full active life.

[Hidden in reply to Brisk61]

Many years ago, it was accepted by GPs that blood pressure should be higher as we get older.

I recall my GP saying that 120/80 was the blood pressure of a healthy 20 year old. He added that a rule of thumb was that the systolic should rise accordingly.

I think we’re being hammered by government targets and the glee of the pharmaceutical companies as more and more people are being given hypertensive drugs unnecessarily.

[Lunaben62]

Hi Richard. Yes like you my doctors were trying the same aproach and I did my own research.

I am 80yr old and for the last yr have stuck to Amlodipine 5mg and losarten 50mg. Watched my diet. My average bp is around 130 over 80 and I am fine. I am not trying to decry doctors, but we know our bodies. So the doctor is still my contact to tell him what I am doing.

[onadiet]

Yes 130 over 80 same as you. Seems to be working and less stressed. Taking age in account too. I am 72 so am sure I will not be 120 over 80 at my age.

[onadiet]

Yup.130/70 which is sort of right for me.Bottom no.always under 80