You may be working out five times a week and running triathlons on the side but every time you go for your physical, your BP is stubbornly high. Nothing crazy just 140/90, what they call “high normal” or “borderline high.” You argue with your doctor that because you are such a fine physical specimen there’s no need to worry about a number and you’ll try to get it down by reducing sodium intake and drinking more water. But, assuming you’re not testing it at home, another year goes by and the next checkup your numbers haven’t budged: still borderline high.
For a lot of guys in their 30s this may sound familiar, as this is when mild but persitent hypertension can start to kick in. But now’s the time to get your number down and if it takes a little medication, so be it. Because even if you feel terrific, your mild hypertension is damaging the inner workings of your body and putting you at long term risk of heart disease, stroke, eye problems and, yup, impotence. For many of us, it is a genetic predisposition and no matter how much we exercise or reduce our fat and salt intake, those Systolic (big number–heart contracts) and Diastolic (small number–heart relaxed) readings remain stuck on the high side. So if your numbers aren’t reacting to lifestyle changes alone, talk to your doctor about a simple prescription regimen to help get your BP into the optimal range, around 120/80. He or she will obviously know what the best course of action is for you but a simple old fashioned Rx for an ACE inhibitor like Quinipril (usually sold as Accupril but available as a cheaper generic) in a relatively low daily dose can often do the trick. And those sorts of tried and true medicines are usually fully covered by your insurance so the cost will be negligible.
But the benefits, while hard to actually feel when you’re a healthy young man, will pay off down the road when you are a healthier middle aged or older guy not handicapped by stroke, heart problems, kidney problems or sexual disfunction. So definitely eat healthy, stay hydrated, meditate if you like and watch your salt intake (that means you, bacon lovers). But if you can’t move your BP numbers on your own, talk to your doctor about getting some help with a prescription. Because keeping your blood pressure optimal is absolutely one of the best things a guy can do for their long term health. And hey, we want you around and in tip top condition as long as possible, bro. Place wouldn’t be the same without you.
More info on the negative health effects of hypertension here at the Mayo Clinic site.