Some Dos and Don ts of Hypertension Treatment

Hypertension is a common condition, which can affect people from a diverse age group. It refers to the sudden, short-lived increase in blood pressure in the arteries. It can be fatal at times and may even cause cardiovascular damage.

Causes and Symptoms-

The most common causes of hypertension include smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, stress, chronic kidney disease and others.

Hypertension is characterized by symptoms like a headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, breathing problems, and irregular heartbeat. However, the good news is that hypertension is manageable if proper care and adequate measures are taken. Here is a look at the do’s and don’ts of hypertension.

Do’s-

• Consume fruits and vegetables – Proportionate intake of fruits and vegetables help in reducing high blood pressure. It is advisable to eat at least three portions of greens and fruits throughout the day.

• Control your body weight– Obesity is the root of many health issues including hypertension. Maintain a standard weight to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Consume low-calorie foods and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

• Exercise daily –  An active life reduces high blood pressure greatly. Indulge in exercise- cycling, jogging, even yoga helps to keep your body active and keeps complications of hypertension at bay.

• Sleep more– Adequate amount of sleep is necessary for patients suffering from hypertension especially those beyond the age of 40. Sleep also helps to reduce stress, which is a major cause for the increase in blood pressure levels.

Don’ts-

• Limit alcohol consumption – Regular or excess consumption of alcohol increases blood pressure leading to damaging consequences. Limit your alcohol intake to 21 units per week (for men) and 14 units per week (for women). Controlling your alcohol needs will reduce the ill effects of hypertension.

• Quit smoking – Smoking increases blood pressure levels swiftly. It is advisable for hypertension patients to quit smoking altogether.

• Do not consume processed food and salt – Not all the salt that we consume comes from cooked food. Most of it comes from the processed and canned edibles. Hypertension patients should avoid eating junk and processed foods.

It is possible to control and even do away with hypertension completely if one follows a healthy, addiction-free and active lifestyle.