In technical terms blood pressure is simply the force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries. The greater this force, the higher is your blood pressure and the greater the risk of damage. Blood pressure is increasingly becoming an epidemic and has been termed as one of those diseases that may remain undiscovered for long periods of times, even years. Thus, rightfully termed as a silent killer, this disease can cause much fatal harm to the body if not controlled.
Excessively high pressure increases the risks of heart attacks by several times.
It is recommended that you get your blood pressure checked yearly after the age of forty to prevent any unfortunate mishaps. Most people even invest in a blood pressure apparatus to keep a record of their BP levels at various times of the day. Typically, blood pressure tends to be higher when you wake up in the morning and mellows down in the evening. Dietary habits, emotional tensions and stresses and strains of life greatly affect your blood pressure and its intensity.
While proper medication is extremely crucial in order to control your blood pressure, there are also a few lifestyle changes that may lead you towards better health and a healthy heart.
The first and foremost preventive measure for obese high blood pressure patients is weight control. Such patients should most definitely try to induce exercise into their lives, particularly brisk walk.
The next equally important step to take is to reduce salt consumption in your foods. Sodium restriction is excessively important in order to control blood pressure.
If you are an ardent smoker then quitting smoking is one of the biggest favors you can do for your health. A rarely known fact about smoking is the ability of a single cigarette to sufficiently increase the blood pressure levels.
It is also recommended to get your blood pressure monitored regularly in cold weathers. As colder climates tend to dangerously increase the blood pressure levels, make it a point to keep a record of your BP readings and consult a doctor.
If you have a habit of sleeping with your iPod on while sleeping then it is time to make a small change. Studies suggest that increased exposure to noise while sleeping tends to increase the heart rate and blood pressure by considerable degrees.
Avoid breakfast cereals that contain high densities of sodium. While shopping, look for products that read the word “whole” in their label. Such foods are rich in fiber and low in sodium.
Meditation has also proven to be effective while treating high blood pressures. As this helps calm your nerve and rejuvenate your mind and body, the stress levels tend to reduce greatly, thus reducing your blood pressure.