High blood pressure management tips: Making lifestyle adjustments plays a vital role in managing high blood pressure and reducing heart problems caused by high blood pressure. Read 7 Lifestyle Modifications to Control High Blood Pressure.
high blood pressureor high blood pressure, is closely related to heart health and serves as an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can go unnoticed for years, damaging your arteries and increasing your risk of: Heart disease, stroke, and other serious health complications. On the article, Dr. Anjan Shotia, Head of Cardiology, BM Birla Heart HospitalLet's learn more about this deadly condition and the various lifestyle changes that can help fight the symptoms.
High blood pressure and heart health: understanding the relationship
There is a complex relationship between high blood pressure and heart health. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for many heart-related problems. When blood pressure remains high, it puts a lot of pressure on the arterial walls, causing damage and increasing the work the heart has to do. Over time, this extra strain can lead to serious problems such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Hypertension may be the most common comorbidity for heart disease patients simply because it is the most prevalent heart disease worldwide. Depending on the definition of hypertension used in different countries, more than 50% of the world's population has hypertension.
Symptoms of high blood pressure: Signs of high blood pressure
The problem with high blood pressure is that it is very commonly undiagnosed and untreated. When discussing high blood pressure, we often refer to the “rule of halves.” For example, if 50% of the world's population has high blood pressure, half of them may not even know they have high blood pressure because they have never had their blood pressure checked.
The other half have their blood pressure measured and know they have high blood pressure, but only half actually take their medication. Additionally, only half of people who take medications actually achieve adequate blood pressure control.
This means that only a small percentage of people with hypertension are actually able to adequately control their blood pressure with medication. The rest either don't take their medication or take insufficient doses. This is a serious problem with high blood pressure.
How to manage high blood pressure naturally at home
Because of inadequate treatment, complications of high blood pressure, such as stroke and heart attack, frequently occur. Therefore, the key to hypertension management is to ensure early diagnosis and regular blood pressure monitoring. Check out other tips and tricks to control high blood pressure and keep your heart healthy at home.
Regular health checkup
It is essential to encourage people to check their blood pressure frequently and take their prescribed medications. Even after starting medication, regular blood pressure checks are necessary to ensure proper control. If your blood pressure is not properly controlled, your medication may need to be adjusted.
Lifestyle modifications to control high blood pressure
Regular blood pressure monitoring and proactive lifestyle adjustments remain important to prevent these complications and ensure a healthier, more resilient body in the long term. Lifestyle modifications play a vital role in managing high blood pressure and promoting heart health. Here are some lifestyle changes you should consider implementing.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Limiting sodium intake also helps regulate blood pressure.
- regular exercise
- maintain a healthy weight
- limiting alcohol intake and
- no smoking
- Follow a healthy sleep cycle
These are also some of the simplest, most effective, and important steps to reduce your risk of high blood pressure.
Additionally, stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce the effects of high blood pressure on your heart. Regular medical check-ups and adherence to prescribed medications are essential components of a comprehensive hypertension management approach to ensure long-term heart health and overall health.