Managing High Blood Pressure: Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

According to the World Heart Federation, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Over 1.3 billion people are affected by this disease, and approximately 10 million people die from it every year. For those who are afflicted by the condition, managing high blood pressure is a non-negotiable, everyday task. However, once you know how to do so, it is possible to live with the condition in the long term. Here is what you need to know to manage hypertension and lower your risk for its various related health problems such as heart disease or strokes. 

Regularly Monitor Blood Pressure at Home

The first step is regular blood pressure monitoring. High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any symptoms, so it is quite possible to live for many years not even knowing that you have it. Checking your blood pressure using a home kit, or visiting a clinic or other health care facility, is the only way to know for sure how high your blood pressure is. 

Introduce Lifestyle Changes for High BP Control

High blood pressure is most often a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, and is often linked to other lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes. In fact, according to the US Center for Disease Control, about 60 percent of diabetes sufferers also have high blood pressure. Treating diseases such as diabetes and hypertension is about much more than simply taking medication. It requires careful, conscious changes to your lifestyle. To keep your blood pressure within a healthy spectrum, incorporate the following into your lifestyle:

• Get active: Remaining physically active is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Physical activity keeps your cardiovascular system healthy and robust, as well as helping you keep a healthy weight.

• Watch your diet: Choose healthy foods and do your best to eliminate or reduce your intake of foods that, while delicious, are clearly not good for your health. Include lots of fruit and vegetables in your diet and eliminate refined sugars and processed foods.

• Keep a healthy weight: As you gain more weight, your heart has to work harder to move blood around your body. Keeping a good weight reduces stress on your heart and reduces your risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

• Eliminate bad habits: If you are a smoker, stop! It damages your blood vessels and increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Reduce alcohol intake to an occasional glass, if anything at all.

Create a High BP Management Care Plan

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you will need to create a comprehensive care plan to help you manage the condition. That is not as challenging as it sounds, and can easily be done with the help of your healthcare providers. Consult them for a comprehensive plan to help you keep your blood pressure under control.

Manage Blood Pressure with Medication

Aside from changing your lifestyle as outlined above, your care plan should also consist of medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Your doctor may prescribe medication for you to take on a chronic basis. You may even need to take more than one, depending on your condition. Follow your physician’s instructions in this regard.

WELL Health Diagnostic Centres provides blood pressure testing and monitoring using ambulatory blood pressure monitors (ABPM). If you have any concerns about your health or would like to know more about your blood pressure levels, it is best to seek professional medical advice, especially if you are experiencing any worrying symptoms. For more about our measures to help with managing high blood pressure, contact your nearest WELL Health Diagnostic Centre today.