What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (HBP) or known as hypertension arises when the blood pressure increases to an unhealthy level. Typical blood pressure measurement takes into account how much blood is passing through the blood vessels and the amount of resistance the blood meets when the heart is pumping. The presence of narrow arteries is the cause for increased resistance. The thinner the arteries, the higher the blood pressure will be. In long-term, the pressure is increased and can cause several health issues including heart disease.
What are the treatment options for high blood pressure?
If the doctor diagnoses you with primary hypertension, simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your high blood pressure. In case the adopted lifestyle changes are insufficient or not adequate, your doctor may prescribe your specific medication.
If doctors discover an underlying issue sourcing your hypertension, treatment will then concentrate on that particular underlying condition. For example, if the medicine prescribed to you are leading to increased blood pressure; your doctor will prescribe other medications that don't have such a side effect. In the case when hypertension is persistent despite treatment for the underlying cause, the doctor will advise you to develop lifestyle changes while prescribing medications to help reduce your blood pressure levels.
Tips for prevention from high blood pressure
Consume more heart-healthy plants and aim to eat more than seven servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The goal is to progressively increase your fruit and vegetable servings up to ten per day.
Instead of focusing on a meal with meat and three sides, design a dish that employs the meat as a condiment. Instead, consume a bigger salad with a smaller portion of meat.
Attempt to incorporate fewer sugar-sweetened foods such as flavored yogurts, cereals, and sodas. Make sure to read the labels behind the packaged foods as it hides additional levels of sugar.
Seek professional advice from your doctor about a healthy weight for you. You can start by consuming 500 calories less per day than what you usually consume. Then finalize on what physical activity you can begin to reach your goal. Exercising five days a week is bound to get you closer to your goal. A minimum of three days of exercise is recommended.
The most effective way to prevent complications and avoid problems is to detect hypertension early. Maintain a log of your recent blood pressure readings and show it to your doctor. This way, the doctor can help identify any possible problems before the condition advances.