Since high blood pressure is so common these days, most don’t bother treating it as the hazard it is. High blood pressure or hypertension can be extremely dangerous, and should be dealt as such.
An individual who may have a blood pressure reading of 170/110 or above, for instance, will most likely be experiencing fatigue, headaches, dizzy spells, and even fainting symptoms.
If somebody happens to have a blood pressure reading of 230/130, they’re likely to experience severe medical problems which can be life threatening, such as a stroke.
Although hypertension isn’t considered a disease in itself, it is however an extremely important measurement where doctors are able to predict other potential illnesses as a result.
There is also no real known cure for high blood pressure, just ways to monitor and keep it under control.
The Case That Is High Blood Pressure
There’s no doubt there are an abundance of medication and treatments which are available when it comes to treating high blood pressure. It’s also well known that prevention, is the best cure.
High blood pressure creeps up on most of us. Reasons include work related stress, anxiety, unstable relationships, a poor family life or bad diet.
All of these issues combine and cumulates together, which contributes to and becomes a health hazard as we age.
It’s known high blood pressure is usually proportionate to our body weight, as in, if your weight happens to increase, the blood pressure usually rises as well.
As a result, those who are generally obese or gains weight easily, will generally have an increased risk of heart disease, along with other related illnesses.
What reducing weight does is it lowers the risk, even if you currently don’t have any high blood pressure issues.
A healthy weight for your body type will also make you feel more active as well.
Where The Fat Is Stored
It doesn’t come down to how much extra weight you’re packing around, but more where your body happens to store the fat.
The shape of your body is also usually inherited genetically from your parents.
Those who may have the classic “apple shape” of body style, will have additional fat stored at the waist and belly area.
The “pear shaped” body style will have more fat stored in the hips and the thigh. The storage of fat around the belly area usually has higher health risks.
Regardless of where you may have the extra poundage, it’s up to you to do something about it, since that’s what controls your blood pressure levels.
If you already have high blood pressure, losing weight will lower the danger.
Losing Weight To Lower Blood Pressure
The easy formula when it comes to losing weight, is burn more calories than you consume.
On a daily basis, you need to burn those calories off, along with the additional calories which are already stored in your body fat.
Begin by eating 300 to 500 less calories on a daily basis, which should lead towards losing between 1 to 2 pounds per week.
This for many is a realistic weight loss plan, as the loss will eventually add up during the year.
Increasing Your Physical Activity
To burn off these calories, what you need is to increase your physical activity level, which in turn helps you lose the weight.
What being active does is it controls your weight more than eating less does. Besides losing the weight, there are other beneficial reasons for being more active.
Being physically active is one of the drivers which will lower high blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol, while raising the good HDL cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Those who are physically active, and have adopted this way of life will have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure later in their lives, than inactive people will.
If you’re currently inactive, you’re not asked to suddenly jump off the sofa and go join a gym, or begin running laps around a track.
But instead, choose to begin becoming more physically active in your everyday life. Start by doing so slowly.
Even just doing light physical activity such as walking around the block, or biking regularly can reduce the risk of getting high blood pressure.
Recommended Exercise Protocol
It’s recommended you work yourself up to doing at least 30 minutes of physical exercise daily, such as running, biking, or swimming.
If you can’t find the time to workout for 30 minutes, then try 2 – 15-minute periods, or 3 – 10 minute periods.
Try doing some type of aerobic activity during the week, or go for a brisk walk, preferably once a day.
What these exercises will do is condition your heart and lungs, making them stronger, preventing you from disease.
If you start out slow, there may also be no need to see your doctor before you begin your exercise regime, since a gradual slow and sensible exercise program will have low health risks.
Adopt Preventative Maintenance
If you do have certain health issues such as heart disease, are obese, or have high blood pressure, then consult your physician first.
Any health practitioner will also be able to help you set sensible goals which are based on your height, weight, and current health and lifestyle.
It’s generally thought active men and fit women, will need anywhere up to 2500 calories on a daily basis.
Women who aren’t as active, or men who are completely inactive, generally requires around 2000 calories daily.
A safe guideline to reduce high blood pressure is eating 300 to 500 fewer calories on a daily basis, to lose up 1 to 2 pounds a week. The key is to start getting active today.