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It\u2019s a well-known fact that blood pressure tends to go up as people get older. In fact it\u2019s so recognized that some doctors have different blood pressure guidelines for older people than younger.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s a well-known fact that blood pressure tends to go up as people get older. In fact it\u2019s so recognized that some doctors have different blood pressure guidelines for older people than younger.<\/p>\n
But the traditional medical system has a tough time explaining why this happens and an even tougher time doing anything about it.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why in today\u2019s feature article I\u2019ll explain the three most common reasons why blood pressure tends to go up with age, why this doesn\u2019t have to happen and how to prevent it.<\/p>\n
Blood pressure is one of a few body functions that has the tendency to increase as we get older. Cell replacements, mobility, metabolism and other physical functions all slow down or decrease. If we slow down as we age, wouldn\u2019t blood pressure go down, too? So in a way, it doesn\u2019t make sense that blood pressure rises.<\/p>\n
However, it doesn\u2019t have to happen and the trend is completely reversible. <\/p>\n
In fact, it\u2019s mostly the systolic blood pressure (the top number) that goes up, causing a condition called isolated systolic hypertension. This is the pressure on the walls of the blood vessels when the heart is beating. Whereas diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is resting.<\/p>\n
So let\u2019s look at what causes this.
There are many things that work together to narrow and harden the arteries. Often times it begins with something injuring the arterial walls. This causes inflammation and build-up of cholesterol and other plaque to protect the cells. If the \u201cattack\u201d continues, the cycle of damage is very hard to break. <\/p>\n
The cholesterol \u2018bandage\u2019 hardens, and the heart has to use more pressure to get blood through the block. This further damages the arteries and raises blood pressure even more.<\/p>\n
Temporary hypertension, lasting for a few weeks or months, (caused by stress or other facts) may also trigger this process. To protect the arteries, the walls grow thicker and become more rigid. Even if they can now take more pressure, they also have a higher tendency to crack. Which again, causes build-up of plaque. Thus, a dangerous health cycle has begun.<\/p>\n
The damage of arteries can happen anywhere in the body. For example, damage occurring in the arteries in the kidney is called intimal fibroplasia, and is a very common cause of high blood pressure in elderly people who are not overweight.<\/p>\n
The good news is that the hardening of the arteries can be reversed. In a study published in the American Heart Association Journal, researchers used exercises somewhat similar (but not as advanced) as the exercises in our Blood Pressure Exercise Program<\/a> to lower participants\u2019 blood pressure. After a few weeks, the artery walls were significantly thinner and more flexible.<\/p>\n Interestingly, the improvement in arterial health only seemed to happen if people used natural methods. No study has shown reversal in arterial sclerosis (hardening) using blood pressure medications.<\/p>\n Our Cholesterol Plan<\/a> teaches you methods that literally remove plaque buildup in the arteries.<\/p>\n Chronic inflammation also causes hardening of the arteries. By making lifestyle changes that cure chronic inflammation, your arteries will also soften up and you\u2019ll experience drastic improvements in blood pressure.<\/p>\n The 3-Step Type 2 Diabetes guide<\/a> and 21-Day Plan to Cure<\/a> Arthritis are both focused on dealing with chronic inflammation. <\/p>\n Hardening of the arteries is only one reason why blood pressure seems to rise with age. Another reason is\u2026 Since your heart is a muscle, you can expect those tissues to deteriorate in the same way every year after age 40. A weak heart has to work harder to pump the blood throughout the body. That, then, causes irregular or higher blood pressure.<\/p>\n Exactly why muscle deterioration happens is an issue of controversy. Some believe it\u2019s just a natural process of aging. Others blame reduced production of growth hormones. <\/p>\n I think it\u2019s mostly due to lack of physical activity and especially the right kind of physical activity.<\/p>\n A person who uses the right diet and works out with moderate weights will not lose skeletal muscle. You may even increase your muscle mass. Using high-intensity exercises puts the same kind of strain on your heart and prevents it from losing its strength.<\/p>\n2) Weakening of the Heart<\/H3>
\nOn the average, people begin losing skeletal muscle mass in their early 40s. When you hit your 50s, the muscle loss really takes off. Some studies say as much as 3% per year.<\/p>\n