The lowdown on high blood pressure
It’s important to know the risk factors and determine how to prevent hypertension
High blood pressure is one of the most common ailments that befalls adults in the United States. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood on artery walls becomes too high for extended periods of time. Blood pressure relates to the amount of blood your heart needs to pump through your arteries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure affects one in three Americans.
It’s very important to be aware of your blood pressure level. A history of hypertension can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, blindness and liver and kidney failure.
Risk factors for high blood pressure include having a family history of hypertension, eating too-salty foods, lacking of physical activity in your daily routine and obesity. One of the best ways to lower your risk of high blood pressure is by increasing how much exercise you get each day. Any kind of physical activity, strenuous or not, is better than no activity at all. Going for a walk or taking a yoga class can be a great way to add low-impact exercise into your daily routine.
Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can also be an effective way to lower your risk, especially through foods rich in potassium because potassium helps rid your body of sodium, releasing it through urine. Potassium also eases tension in the blood vessel walls.
Which foods are highest in potassium? Bananas usually come to mind first, but actually, the food highest in potassium are pears! Many of my patients are surprised to hear that pears have even more potassium and less sugar than bananas. For this reason, I often recommend pears as part of a healthy diet to patients who have diabetes.
High blood pressure is sometimes called a “silent killer” because the condition often shows no symptoms. When you see your doctor for a routine visit, your blood pressure will be checked. It’s crucial to understand your results and what they mean. Normal blood pressure falls below 120/80. High blood pressure is defined by 140/90. The top number is your systolic pressure, which indicates when your heart contracts. The bottom number is diastolic pressure, indicating when your heart relaxes.
Sometimes, your results may turn up high if you’ve just finished a workout or if you’re feeling stressed at the doctor’s office. If your numbers are consistently high, however, then it’s time to speak with your doctor about treatment options.
The first step is to make a lifestyle change. As mentioned, incorporating more fruits and vegetables in your diet and maintaining regular exercise are the first steps toward lowering blood pressure. Reducing stress, quitting smoking if you are a smoker and limiting your daily alcohol intake can also make a significant impact on your blood pressure. Anyone can have high blood pressure, regardless of age.
Depending on your blood pressure reading, your doctor will determine if medication is needed. I urgently recommend making lifestyle changes first, but if necessary, medication can be prescribed. Be sure to speak with your doctor to determine the best options for you.
For more information about high blood pressure or to make an appointment with Dr. Mehul Sonawala, visit ChoiceMG.com or call his office directly at 760-951-2400.