High blood pressure is an epidemic in our country and one that we shouldn’t take lightly. Statistics from the CDC reveal that 1 in 3 adults in our country has high blood pressure. That accounts for about 75 million of us. What is more concerning is that many more people may have high blood pressure and not know it. Of those who do, only about half of them are controlling it. Blood pressure regulation is critical. High blood pressure is a contributing factor to heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Blood pressure can be managed with prescription medication. However, many people ask how they can either avoid medication, limit their time on it, or support their prescribed treatment plan. We have strategies and will share them with you here.
Numerous studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between what we eat and how healthy we are. As it relates to cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, salt and sugar are both believed to be risk factors. Doctors routinely recommend what is called the DASH diet. This isn’t a diet like we have always known them; it is not intended for short-term use for weight loss. The DASH diet is intended to be a lifelong way of eating to keep hypertension at bay. This lifestyle habit includes low-fat dairy, lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. People who have ascribed to the DASH diet have lowered their blood pressure as much as 14 points.
There are two ways that exercise serves the heart. First, it can prevent excessive weight gain. Bodyweight contributes to high blood pressure as well as several other health conditions. Exercising and eating well to lose weight and keep it in a healthy range significantly improves cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that blood pressure can reduce with as little as 40 minutes of moderate exercise three to four days a week. Also on the note of building a healthier body and heart, smokers are strongly encouraged to quit. Walking away from tobacco use significantly lowers systemic inflammation, which eases the stress on the heart and its arteries.
Do you need support in managing your heart health? We can help you. Call 516-437-5600 to schedule a visit to our Lake Success, Richmond Hill, or Forest Hills office.
