Field notes · Men's health basics
Blood pressure in your 40s
High blood pressure is called the silent killer for a reason. You will not feel it. You will only find it by measuring.
Dai Manuel · Coach Moose · Vancouver
Know your number
Roughly one in four Canadian adults has high blood pressure, and it becomes more common with age. Get it measured at your doctor or a pharmacy. If it is high, a home monitor used the way your doctor suggests gives a much truer picture than one reading in a clinic.
What moves it
Losing weight, moving most days, drinking less alcohol, eating less salt and more vegetables and fruit, and sleeping better all lower blood pressure. These are the same habits we build in every DadBody cohort. If your doctor recommends medication, take it. Habits and medication work together, not against each other.
Common questions
- What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
- Usually none. That is why regular measurement matters. Get checked by a doctor or pharmacist and follow their advice on home monitoring.
- How can I lower my blood pressure naturally?
- Weight loss, regular exercise, less alcohol, less salt, more vegetables and fruit, and better sleep all help. Follow your doctor's advice, including medication if prescribed.
This is coaching, not medical advice. If something here sounds like you, talk to your doctor.
Sources
- Hypertension Canada guidelines, lifestyle management and home measurement.
- Hypertension prevalence among Canadian adults. Statistics Canada.