My own reading when I took my blood pressure over the weekend ( I bought a monitor a while back) was 121 mmHg Systolic and 77 mmHg Diastolic (my pulse rate was 55 beats per minute). Which sees me roughly on the 'Normal' side of the line blood pressure wise, and reasonably fit as regards pulse. However, as I have been exercising regularly for the last six weeks, and have been watching my salt intake (two good ways of reducing your blood pressure). It does give me pause for thought that it is an area that I will need to monitor more closely. As clearly based on my experience at 19 there is some disposition there for higher levels.

The next level up is more of a warning level. 'Pre-hypertension' is tantamount to your body holding up a red flag and saying 'STOP!! Make Changes Now or suffer the consequences!' If your readings fall within this band then you can consider yourself well and truly slapped on the wrist by your body. It is never too late to change though. That is the good news. And many relatively simple lifestyle adjustments can help to lower your blood pressure: The following is a list of measures that you can take to lower your blood pressure (and remember it is a good idea to do these even if your blood pressure is 'normal', because they will keep you healthier anyway); alongside what typical medical opinion seems to think the effect on blood pressure might be. (Most of these are US Department of Health Recommendations.)