High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure is very common in adults in North America

Lifestyle decisions can greatly impact the development of high blood pressure

By Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, MD

High blood pressure affects many individuals throughout the course of their lives, with increasing occurrence in aging populations. Many other health issues may arise and develop following high blood pressure, including stroke and heart disease.

What you need to know about
High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is generated when the heart contracts with each beat. Diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes with each beat. Any blood pressure level higher than about 130/80 is considered high blood pressure.

The importance of regulating blood pressure levels can greatly impact the overall health of individuals in the future. High blood pressure can injure blood vessel walls, which increase the buildup of plaque increasing the possibility of blockage in the arteries and strain on the heart.

There are many lifestyle choices which can decrease the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Some of these include maintaining a healthy body size and weight; an active lifestyle can decrease blood pressure and also may have positive effects on the results of any high blood pressure medications which you have been prescribed.

Limiting the intake of alcohol and eliminating tobacco use also can aid in the prevention of high blood pressure as well as decrease the chances of developing heart disease or stroke.

The overall reduction of stress can greatly aid in the decreasing of high blood pressure.

But perhaps the most important lifestyle change is to CONTROL Your SALT intake. North Americans daily consume about double the amount of salt that is healthy for them.