Estimated that more than 50 million people suffer from high blood pressure. For the majority of patients, the cause of this condition is unknown. Many people go undiagnosed and will not be aware that they have it. High Blood Pressure is a silent condition that can cause an aneurysm, heart failure, stroke, and a heart attack.
Then the patient may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, headache, vomiting, and shortness of breath. It is important that you get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers, written as a ratio like this:
1. Systolic
The top number, which is also the higher of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).
2. Diastolic
The bottom number, which is also the lower of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood).
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, here are some important tips to help you lead a healthier life.
Then the patient may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, headache, vomiting, and shortness of breath. It is important that you get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers, written as a ratio like this:
1. Systolic
The top number, which is also the higher of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).
2. Diastolic
The bottom number, which is also the lower of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood).
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, here are some important tips to help you lead a healthier life.
- Lose weight. Dropping just 10 to 15 pounds can help lower your blood pressure. It will also lower your risk of other serious conditions such as diabetes and cholesterol. Your high blood pressure medicines will work even better when you shed those extra pounds.
- Limit salt in your diet. Salt can cause your blood pressure to rise because it collects in your body.
- Stop smoking. Each puff of that cigarette increases your blood pressure. Your high blood pressure medications may not work as well if you smoke. Discuss with your physician the use of nicotine patches and nicotine gum. Those are better alternatives than smoking.
- Limit your alcohol consumption. Do not drink more than 24 ounces of beer, 10 ounces of wine, and 2 ounces of liquor. Women should drink even less than that.
- Lower your stress. Stress is a factor in high blood pressure. Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to cope with stress.
- Eat a healthy diet. Packaged foods that have been processed have high salt content. It is wise to eat more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods.
- Take your medications as prescribed. Control your high blood pressure with medications to reduce serious complications.
- If your blood pressure is above 120/80mmHg, you will need to lower it.
