Cardiologist explains why blood pressure spikes sharply after 30
Cardiologist explained why blood pressure rises sharply with age (photo: Freepik)
Sudden blood pressure spikes can occur with age and should alert individuals. A cardiologist has identified the reasons why blood pressure increases after the age of 30.
RBC-Ukraine explains which blood pressure readings are considered elevated.
What causes high blood pressure
According to Ukrainian cardiologist Nataliia Ivaniuk, 80% of people will develop hypertension as they age.
"Patients often say, 'Doctor, I never had this before!' This frequently relates to arterial blood pressure, meaning its increase. And it is young patients aged 25-35 who often say this during consultations," the doctor added.
The main reasons why low blood pressure in youth may turn into high blood pressure with age include:
- Reduced elasticity of blood vessels
- Impaired regulation of vascular tone
- Atherosclerosis
- Kidney function changes and hormonal shifts
- Low physical activity
How to prevent hypertension
The doctor explained that hypertension is not inherited.
To avoid blood pressure problems:
- Don’t smoke
- Maintain a healthy weight (BMI - 25)
- Follow a healthy diet (limit salt to 5g per day, reduce sugar, unhealthy fats, and fast food)
- Stay physically active
- Drink enough water (at least 1.5 liters per day)
- Avoid stress (a psychologist or psychotherapist can help)
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night
- Minimize alcohol and energy drink consumption
- Avoid taking supplements, medications, herbs, or teas without consulting a doctor
"With these habits, hypertension won’t catch up with you, even at 70," she added.
Importantly, much depends on the patient. Daily habits play a decisive role in whether or not you develop hypertension.
What is considered high blood pressure
Normal blood pressure is defined as:
- Systolic pressure (upper value) less than 120 mm Hg
- Diastolic pressure (lower value) less than 80 mm Hg
Arterial hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure levels are consistently elevated:
- Systolic pressure above 140 mm Hg
- Diastolic pressure above 90 mm Hg
High blood pressure, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney or heart failure, vision loss, and other health issues.
We also wrote about two lesser-known facial symptoms that indicate high blood pressure.
Sources: the Instagram page of Ukrainian cardiologist Natalia Ivaniuk and the website of the Public Health Center.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
