Hypertension affects almost 3.5 million Australians. How to not be a statistic.
Making changes to your lifestyle is easier than you think if you suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure. This serious, often life-threatening condition can be kept in check simply with close monitoring and a few simple detours from your normal habits.
See your physician regularly
Frequent – some suggest twice-yearly – checkups with your doctor are the first line of defense when you are faced with hypertension. Those DIY blood pressure machines you find at the chemists are unreliable; you need medical expertise to decipher where you’re at with your blood pressure.
Hypertension, as common as it is among Australians (especially women), is easily treatable. If your doctor suspects your hypertension is best treated with medication, ask as much information as possible.
Ways to reduce your risk
If your doctor believes you can bring down your blood pressure without medication, here are some factors they may suggest.
Keeping active physically – exercising for at least 30 minutes daily – is huge in the prevention of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. Not only does it have to be strenuous activity, but it can be as simple as walking your dog or gardening.
Diet plays an important part of a healthy heart. Eating fruits, veg, wholegrains and keeping meat consumption to a minimum are ideal. It’s true as well, that too much sodium are detrimental to those with already-high blood pressure. Limit your salt intake by choosing no-salt or low-salt foods, especially processed foods, which are loaded with sodium.
Losing weight can be part of maintaining your blood pressure. Getting and staying on a fitness program can actually help reverse and prevent hypertension. Ask your doctor about the best exercise plan for you.
Imbibing on too much alcohol is a trigger for hypertension. Physicians recommend abstaining at least two to three days per week; try to limit yourself to one beverage only at cocktail hour.
For further info, contact our Perth fitness gym: (08) 9342 9028.
