What Are the Preventions of Blood Pressure?

Hypertension is a dangerous condition that affects the heart. There are several ways to prevent hypertension, including maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excess salt and exercising. It is important to seek treatment if symptoms are severe, and identifying it early is essential. You may also need to see a doctor for additional information. This article will discuss some of the most common preventions for hypertension. Listed below are just a few of them.

Keeping a healthy weight

While obesity is associated with increased risk for high blood pressure, being overweight or obese can be a contributing factor. Even a small amount of weight loss can make a huge difference in your treatment. Performing regular physical activity also helps lower blood pressure risk by 20% to 50%. Aim to perform two to three hours of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week. Being overweight or obese is associated with higher blood pressure risk and can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Cutting back on salt

One of the easiest ways to lower your blood pressure is to cut back on salt. A simple reduction in salt intake can result in lower blood pressure within a few weeks. Salt is found in many foods, but eating too much can have negative health effects. High blood pressure can cause problems such as kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, and even some forms of dementia. Salt can also damage the kidneys, which are responsible for controlling blood pressure.

Exercise

There are many benefits of exercise for blood pressure, including lowering it. It can also strengthen the heart and lower cholesterol, keep you fit, and reduce your risk of diabetes. Exercise also provides extended benefits for stroke survivors. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a variety of aerobic and strengthening exercises to improve your overall health and reduce the risk of subsequent strokes. If you're unsure of which types of exercise will help lower your blood pressure, start with a few simple suggestions.

Identifying hypertension early

One of the most effective preventions of blood pressure is early identification. Identifying hypertension in its early stages may reduce the risk of CVD and heart attack. Identifying hypertension in its early stages may improve quality of life and prevent stroke. This condition is also associated with increased heart disease risk. Several strategies can help to identify and prevent hypertension, including lifestyle changes, education, and medical treatments.

Avoiding NSAIDs

Pharmacists can help people with high blood pressure avoid NSAIDs by addressing the risks associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation is known to lead to a host of diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The Harvard Medical School offers tips to help patients fight inflammation. This article provides more information about the potential risks of NSAIDs. Also, learn how to choose the right medicine for your condition.

Avoiding contraceptives

If you're interested in preventing high blood pressure, avoid using hormonal birth control, including the pill, the patch and the vaginal ring. These types of contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition. Women who already have high blood pressure should speak with their healthcare provider before starting the pill. Women with heart problems should not use the pill, either.

Cutting back on alcohol

Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can lead to spikes in blood pressure, raising the risk of heart-related conditions and other problems. Heavy drinking is linked to obesity and poor diet, and is also associated with high blood pressure. According to a 2019 study of 17,000 U.S. adults, moderate drinking is linked to higher risk of high blood pressure. Experts recommend limiting the amount of alcohol consumed by reducing the number of drinks gradually and with the help of a health professional.