Blood Pressure
Under Pressure: Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the inside wall of our blood vessels. When it’s too low, blood flow slows down & decreases our body’s ability to supply itself with nutrients & to remove wastes. When it’s too high for long periods of time, it damages vital organs & blood vessels. When it is normal, blood flow is optimized to keep us healthy. What is your current blood pressure reading? And, what healthy lifestyle choices are you taking to achieve & maintain a normal blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Basics: Normal blood pressure readings are numbers lower than 120/80; Elevated blood pressure readings are 120-129 (1st #) & 80 or higher (2nd #); High blood pressure readings are 130 or higher (1st #) & 80 or higher (2nd #); Extremely high blood pressure readings are 180 or higher (1st #) & 110 or higher (2nd #). Extremely high blood pressure is a medical emergency & needs immediate medical attention. Knowing your blood pressure is the first step to achieving & maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Search for free neighborhood blood pressure screening locations or purchase a blood pressure machine to track your blood pressure.
Silent Killer: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is known as a ‘silent killer’ because it has no physical symptoms as it damages blood vessels & vital organs (e.g., heart, kidney, etc). Extremely high pressure readings exhibit physical symptoms such as severe headaches, nosebleeds, fatigue/confusion, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heart beat, blood in urine, pounding sensations in chest, neck or ears. Know your blood pressure numbers & seek medical & lifestyle advice to keep this silent killer out of your life.
Blood Pressure Stats: 48% of USA adults are diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure is the primary/contributing cause of 700,000 deaths per year. Although sometimes associated with aging, hypertension is not an age-related disease. The USA is among the top four countries with the largest percentage of people diagnosed with hypertension. For those diagnosed with hypertension, only 1 in 4 adults are controlling it with medical treatment. Find out your personal stats by answering these questions: What is your blood pressure? How often do you check your blood pressure? How often do you go to the doctor? Who else in your family has hypertension? How knowledgable are about hypertension?
Hypertension, Because: Hypertension is caused by lifestyle and/or medical conditions. Lifestyles that contribute to hypertension include: 1) Little or no exercise, 2) Low whole plant-forward meals, 3) Little or no relaxation practices. Medical conditions that contribute to hypertension include: 1) Overweight/Obesity, 2) Diabetes, 3) Kidney Disease, 4) Hormone Dysfunction, 5) High Cholesterol. Hypertension can also occur during pregnancy. What lifestyle/medical causes do you have and what are you doing to obtain & maintain a normal blood pressure?
High Blood Prevention: First, consult with your doctor to address your specific blood pressure numbers & causes. With medical advisement, gradually increase cardio & resistance exercises. Use a Waist-To-Hip Ratio to determine & maintain a healthy weight. Stop smoking. Minimize/eliminate alcohol. Eat whole plant-forward meals. Avoid/eliminate foods containing saturated/trans fat/cholesterol (e.g., meats, dairy, processed foods). Practice healthy relaxation techniques (e.g. meditation, breathing). Take prescribed anti-hypertension medications. Discuss & plan with a doctor regarding the possibilities of reversing your hypertension. Learning the causes of hypertension is the first step to achieving & maintaining a normal blood pressure.