The more you have a handle on your blood pressure, the better you’ll be able to measure your risk, predict heart problems, and flag danger.

Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries as it passes through. If your blood pressure is high (optimum level is 115/76; the national median is 129/86), the force is literally gouging holes in your arteries, causing inflammation. But high blood pressure has no symptoms, which makes it easier to ignore than a dirty air filter in your house. It is also, however, as easily treatable with medications or lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), which means that everyone should have their blood pressure measured regularly and take immediate steps if it is high.Blood-pressure readings can be very variable and you always want your blood-pressure reading to be low. Have your blood pressure taken in the morning, during the day, and at night when you are doing what you normally do (except that, Fabio). If it is high at any of those times, you can make your RealAge younger. If you are 55 years old, you are one year older in RealAge for every 5 mmHg increase to the top number, or 7 mmHg increase in the bottom number. But drop down to the ideal, and you make yourself nine years younger.