Does high blood pressure run in your family? If so, you may be at an elevated risk for hypertension.
High blood pressure is known as a silent killer and is often behind medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes. Luckily, there are several ways to help prevent this diagnosis.
We’re going to discuss the prevention of hypertension and why it is important to pay attention to your blood pressure. Keep reading for more information!
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. A diagnosis of hypertension means that there may be resistance in your arteries to the blood that is pumped by your heart.
This resistance increases the pressure at which the blood flows–think of how water moves more quickly through smaller apertures. Your heart also has to work much harder to pump the blood which may eventually lead to heart failure.
Your Diet and Activity Level Matter!
Saturated fat, LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol,) and sodium are all linked to hypertension. Avoiding these foods is one way to lower blood pressure. Preventative diets will include plenty of leafy greens, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and lean meat.
Additionally, avoid excessive use of caffeine and alcohol if you are trying to lower your high blood pressure.
If you are currently suffering from high blood pressure, a little bit of exercise can go a long way. Staying active can help lower your blood pressure. Over time may help you to lose weight–which is another factor in a hypertension diagnosis.
Complications of the Diagnosis
Mentioned above is the fact that hypertension may lead to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. There are a few other problems that high blood pressure can cause that are worth understanding.
Aneurysms are a bulge formed in an artery caused by a weakened artery wall. The wall becomes weak over time from the high blood pressure and eventually may burst. This can be deadly if it is not treated quickly.
Vision loss is not necessarily life-threatening, but unpleasant nonetheless. Hypertension can cause blood vessels in the eyes to change (thicken, tear, or narrow) and can affect your vision.
Vascular dementia, a disease of the mind, is also linked to hypertension. Unfortunately, when your brain receives less blood than normal, it tends to lose function. This may include memory, judgment, and reasoning capabilities.
Should you experience any of these complications stemming from a hypertension diagnosis, consult a doctor–and use a local pharmacy to ensure accurately filled prescriptions.
Prevention of Hypertension: What You Should Know
While diet and exercise are two key factors in the prevention of hypertension, there are many other ways to help reduce high blood pressure or rid yourself of the diagnosis completely.
Lowering stress levels is a large component in helping reduce your blood pressure, as is quitting smoking. Additionally, there are several medications on the market to quickly lower blood pressure as well as keep it at a healthy level.
Depending on your strategy to prevent hypertension, you will have a team of support, ranging from your family members to doctors, and even pharmacists. If you have questions about any medication prescribed to treat your diagnosis, contact us!
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