High Blood Pressure - The Persistent Facts

We all know that at times everybody suffers from high blood pressure( also known as Hypertension), mainly from the stresses of modern day living, but it is persistent and ongoing high blood pressure that needs action - quickly!

Known as the "silent killer" you can suffer from it without having the slightest inkling that you do, and it should be regarded as a serious illness even though it probably has not affected your life style to date.

It is the cause of several life threatening illnesses, such as stroke, heart attacks, kidney problems and diabetes to name but a few.

What pointers should I look for?

Any of the following (maybe more than one!)

1. Aged over 55
2. Members of your close family already suffer from hypertension.
3. You are over-weight or obese
4. You are a smoker
5. You drink more alcohol than you should.
6. You do not have a healthy diet
7. You do not exercise or take insufficient exercise
8. You may suffer with anxiety problems - not surprising in the present economic climate!

BUT DON'T DESPAIR! take positive action.

1. First and foremost - get your blood pressure checked by your physician who will give you the numbers and tell you what your blood pressure readout means. Make sure you understand the figures and what they represent.
2. If you do have high blood pressure follow your physicians advice on how to reduce it - and follow it. If you are lucky enough to have a normal readout for your age find out when you need to come back and have it re-checked.
3. Take prescribed medication regularly.

THEN

You need to make a REALISTIC plan to change your life style, implement it over a period of time (the quicker the better!),and if you feel you need to discuss the plan with your physician before implementing it, do so!

You will need to consider all the following points (which are not exhaustive)

1. Give up or substantially reduce smoking and drinking.
2. Exercise regularly - walking is a good way to start and is great exercise. Start small and build up to longer distances. Maybe start swimming or take up a gym membership.
3. Try and eat healthily - not easy I know! - but very beneficial. Here are a few ideas-

• reduce salt intake
• eat oily fish
• snack on nuts (almonds and walnuts especially good)
• eat fat burning foods (oats,apples, grapefruit and potatoes(not french fries!) are only a few)
• eat an egg a day
• drink no more than one small glass of red wine a day

In conclusion, you WILL need willpower and effort to implement a life style change. You will need help from your family and friends. There is a lot of help out there - use it! You will find that it is well worth putting your plan in place to reduce the possibility of the silent killer finding another victim!

Keith G White