Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is extremely common in the USA. Almost half of adults suffer from this disorder, but many might not actually have to.
This piece will discuss some simple ways in which you can manage your hypertension, so you can live a happier and healthier life.
What is There to Be Worried About?
Our blood pressure can fluctuate daily, so when it gets a little high, should we actually start to panic?
While the fluctuation is common, blood pressure that stays high for long periods of time can start to have some serious, negative consequences on our body. Problems such as damage to your arteries can result in the body being unable to get enough blood to your organs.
High blood pressure can also contribute to the weakening of the heart, increased risk of aneurysm, severe damage to the heart, and brain problems such as dementia or stroke, to name a few.
If you have a hypertension diagnosis, do not miss out on comprehensive hypertension management to help you live life to the full. Here are some useful tips.
Get Moving
One of the best ways to conquer high blood pressure is to start exercising. The benefits of exercise are well documented, and improving hypertension is just one of the rewards you can reap from getting up and about.
As you exercise, your heart becomes stronger and can pump the blood around the body with much less effort. This puts reduced pressure on your arteries and lowers your blood pressure. To enjoy the benefits of exercise, you should aim to undertake 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity at least three times a week—but remember to rest, too!
Lose Weight
Obesity and being overweight can have a significant impact on your blood pressure, along with many other health conditions. The stress that it puts your body under is not negligible, and to achieve successes such as lowering your blood pressure, tackling your weight is a key factor.
It is not easy for everyone to lose weight, and there can be many underlying causes as to what contributes to someone’s weight gain. Be sure to speak to a doctor or a medical professional and devise a plan on how you can begin your weight-loss journey to better your health.
Reduce Stress
While much easier said than done, reducing stress is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. Stress on the body can cause many problems such as upsetting your digestive system, suppressing your immune system, increasing your risk of stroke or a heart attack, and may also cause hypertension—just to name a few. While plenty of people are faced with stressful situations every day, how you deal with them will have a direct impact on your mind and body.
We do not have control over what happens to us, but we do have control over how we can respond to it. Take time out to practice gratitude and mindfulness, reduce stressful triggers, and take time out for yourself to do the activities that you want to do.
These are not only important for reducing stress, but are important for a better quality of life in general.