Q: I’m 73, very good condition, runner 18 years, lifted weights 30 years, fish oil five years, vitamin program good. Why is my b.p. 150/72? What makes my systolic so high? Is there anything in lifting that would cause this??
A: With age the systolic pressure will naturally increase, and lifting does raise blood pressure. Five grams of EPA and DHA per day should help. It is the diastolic number that is the greatest concern for potential heart disease, and your diastolic number is that of a teen-ager.