Hypertension is running rampant today. Millions of people have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, but what may be worse is the fact many people have it and are not aware they do!
Hypertension can be a very serious disease. If left uncontrolled, it can bring on heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease as well. Because it often shows no symptoms, it has been named the silent killer.
However, it doesn't have to be a killer. If controlled, a person diagnosed with high blood pressure can live a full and healthy life. The key is controlling it.
It 's all about control
In fact, living with hypertension is all about control. When a person has high blood pressure, there are several parts of his or her life he or she must control. Weight, salt intake, general food intake and alcohol, are all among the different things a hypertension patient must control.
First, one of the top causes of hypertension is obesity. This is why a person with high blood pressure must do everything possible to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Second, whenever anyone is diagnosed with hypertension, the first thing he or she is warned about is eating too much salt. Salt has a negative effect on blood pressure. Some medications that are prescribed to control it are geared towards getting salt out of the system. These medications are known as diuretics.
Also, even a person who has reached a healthy weight must remember to eat a healthy diet. This is because junk food has the ability to raise the blood pressure of even the thinnest person. A healthy diet for a hypertension patient includes an ample intake of fruits and vegetables.
If someone was looking to get hypertension, he or she may be able to achieve this goal simply by abusing alcohol. Alcohol intake must be monitored closely when a patient is dealing with this dangerous disease.
It almost goes without saying that smoking is taboo. This is true whether or not a person is suffering from hypertension.
Take a walk
Not only must hypertension patients avoid things, there are also things they should be adding to their daily routine. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is very beneficial to a person who is trying to lower blood pressure. This exercise is important because it can help remove salts from the system, as well as help the patient control weight.
Exercise doesn't have to be done everyday but should be done consistently. Three times a week at a minimum is the general rule for aerobic exercise. Unlike some aerobic exercise programs, which are meant to be done everyday, moderate exercise, can be very beneficial to the person looking to control his or her blood pressure. A fifteen to twenty minute exercise session, such as going for a walk, may be all it takes to turn the corner on hypertension.
And there 's medication
Eating well, controlling weight, and exercising are always going to be helpful to a person 's health. However, often medication will be needed to get a person 's blood pressure back down into the normal range.
Being told that you need to take medicine is not a death sentence. It is true, however, taking medication for hypertension is a big responsibility. This medicine must be taken everyday and the doctor 's prescription must be followed exactly.
Part of taking blood pressure medicine properly is following the doctor 's orders as to what time of the day to take the medication. Taking it with or without food is another thing your doctor will instruct you on while he is writing out your prescription.
Work with your doctor
Lastly, it is very important that you let your doctor know how your medicine is affecting you. Often times, a person taking blood pressure medicine will have no ill effects whatsoever, but if he or she does, it is very important to notify the doctor. Today there are many different types of medications and finding the right one and the right dosage may take some adjusting. This is just part of the procedure we go through to get and keep a handle on hypertension.
Always remember, it is important to have your blood pressure checked even if you don't have a history of high blood pressure. This is a disease that can sneak up on you very quickly and one of the keys to controlling it is to keep your eye on it.
About the Author
The author of "The Silent Killer" has been diagnosed with hypertension almost 30 years ago. He, has built a Website all about hypertension. It includes information everyone should know about "The Silent Killer." This free Website can be found at Symptoms of Hypertension
