Can You Control Your Hypertension?
High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, is a chronic condition in which the blood exerts too much force against the walls of the blood vessels. While many people assume HBP is just a disease for older adults, children and young adults can also be affected. When not well managed, hypertension can create a domino effect in the body, leading to potential widespread damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys. Similarly, people might experience vision loss, vascular damage, sexual dysfunction and metabolic problems. To avoid those results, primary care providers (PCPs) often urge patients diagnosed with HBP to do the following.
1. Watch the weight
While this recommendation might not be necessary for every person with HBP, research has shown a direct link between carrying excess weight and hypertension. Being overweight or obese is also linked with other risk factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing HBP. For example, people carrying excess weight are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, which is linked with hypertension as well. Additionally, experts note that waist measurements, or having too much weight in the midsection, is also a risk factor for HBP.
2. A healthy diet
Along with weight, dietary choices are some of the biggest contributing factors towards developing hypertension. Consuming too much salt, sugar, and fat can all heighten the risk of HBP. People are encouraged to limit salt intake to no more than 2,000mg per day, with the optimal range being 1,500mg or less. Likewise, incorporating more potassium sources can also work as a counterbalance to sodium. To create better dietary choices, minimize processed foods, stick to lean meats like poultry or fish, and incorporate plenty of produce. Consult a clinician about adopting the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) or the Mediterranean diet, which are both proven to help reduce HBP.
3. Limit or eliminate vices
Most people know that smoking is a bad habit that can result in a variety of poor health outcomes, including lung diseases and even cancer. However, smoking has also been linked with high blood pressure. So, working to quit tobacco use can help people live longer. Likewise, drinking too much alcohol is also a trigger for HBP. More importantly, for people who already have hypertension, imbibing can make prescription medications less effective for managing HBP.
Take blood pressure seriously
Hypertension is often referred to as the silent killer because the condition is often symptom-free. However, for people who aren’t staying current with routine medical care, the damage the disease can create across the body is extensive. The heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, sexual function, and other areas can all be impacted. Yet, by incorporating lifestyle changes mentioned above, and sticking to routine medical care, people with HBP can avoid the dangers the disease poses.
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