Dr. Oz. how low should your pressure be

Blood Pressure: How Low Do You Really Need to Go?

“Wow, that’s really low.” We hear that a lot when we tell people what their blood pressure should be. National medical groups recommend keeping blood pressure at or below 120/80, but there’s plenty of evidence that scooching down to 115/76 is even better, and that’s where we YOU Docs want to see yours. In one landmark study, people with a blood pressure of 120/80 or below had half as many cardiovascular events (meaning heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure) as those whose blood pressure was just a little bit higher. And heart risk falls to that of someone much younger as blood pressure falls to . . . you guessed it . . . 115/76.

High blood pressure is the single biggest cause of arterial aging -- and, trust us, you want young arteries. The most effective ways to stop that aging process and hit your blood pressure numbers are weight loss, healthful eating (enjoy colorful veggies, shun saturated and trans fats; avoid added simple sugars and syrups, eat only grains that are 100% whole), and daily physical activity. In fact, just 30 minutes of walking three times a week can drop blood pressure 5 points in 12 weeks. Get even more benefit: Add 30 minutes of resistance exercises and 60 minutes of stamina training (swimming or cycling) a week, and call a buddy regularly to destress.

What about medications? In our own practices, we start you on drugs until you reach 125/82 or lower, and then we back off as long as you stay under those numbers. It’s not that hard: About 60% of people who do not want to be on blood pressure drugs can get off of them -- and attain that ideal 115/76 -- with lifestyle changes.


***I don't agree with drugs especially at this level but if the person refuses diet options, then it is up to the individual to decide.