High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where your blood pressure rises to an unhealthy level. Measuring your blood pressure is based on two things. These include the amount of blood that passes through your blood vessels, as well as the resistance it meets. Narrow arteries can cause your blood pressure to rise. If this continues over an extended period, you can suffer from health issues. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, then you must get treatment for it. This can help you avoid any serious health problems, such as heart disease. In this article, we are going to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure.
Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure
You can get your blood pressure measured to find out if you are suffering from hypertension. Measuring blood pressure is a simple process. You can visit a doctor or a pharmacy having a digital blood pressure measurement machine. You can also purchase a blood pressure monitor and measure your blood pressure at home.
A blood pressure reading is based on 2 numbers. These provide a measurement of your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Your systolic blood pressure indicates the pressure in your blood vessels as your heart pumps blood. Your diastolic blood pressure indicates the pressure in your blood vessels as your heart pauses between beats.
If your blood pressure reading is 140/90 mmHg (or higher), then you are suffering from high blood pressure.
Treatment of High Blood Pressure
Treatment of high blood pressure primarily relies on making changes in your lifestyle. You can also take medicine to control high blood pressure. Let us take a look at some of the things you can do to manage your blood pressure levels:
Exercise
If you suffer from hypertension, then doing physical exercise can help. We suggest exercising at least 5 days a week. This can include aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or going for a jog.
Avoiding Stress
Stress management plays a critical role in the treatment of high blood pressure. Some of the healthy ways to cope with stress include meditation and yoga. Avoid eating junk food or drinking alcohol to reduce stress. These things can cause your blood pressure to increase. Smoking contributes to high blood pressure, as well.
Medication
There are certain medications you can take to treat high blood pressure. These include:
- Vasodilators
- Calcium-channel blockers
- Peripheral adrenergic inhibitor
- Alpha-blockers and beta-blockers
- Central agonists
- Diuretics
- Angiotensin receptor blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Make sure you consult with a physician before taking any medication for treating hypertension.
Dietary Changes
You can also make changes in your diet to control your blood pressure levels. These include:
- Reducing your salt intake to less than 5 grams per day
- Avoiding an excess consumption of alcohol
- Maintaining a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and high fiber foods
- Avoiding foods that contain trans fats, animal fats, and hydrogenated vegetable oils
Let’s Sum It Up
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, then making some healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in managing your condition. This includes getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy, low-fat diet, and avoiding stress. You must also quit smoking and consume alcohol in moderate amounts. Certain medications can help, as well.
If you require further advice on the treatment of high blood pressure, we suggest you book an appointment with a physician at Health One Family Medicine.
Visit https://www.healthonemedicine.com or call 469-208-9770 for more information.