Simple Steps to Managing Your High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because most of the time there are no symptoms, however, when left untreated high blood pressure quietly damages your blood vessels and leads to serious health issues.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure (HBP), is when the force (or pressure) of blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure (many without knowing). Without proper treatment and management, high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of dangerous health problems like heart attack and stroke.
While there isn’t a cure for high blood pressure, the good news is that you have the power to lower your blood pressure and to live a healthier life.
Certain lifestyle choices can put you at risk for high blood pressure. You don’t necessarily need to embark on a major life overhaul to make a difference in your blood pressure, there are some simple steps that you can take towards reducing your HBP.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s important to know your numbers. The best way to do that is too check your blood pressure regularly. Continuing awareness of your numbers can alert you to any changes and help you detect patterns. Keeping track of your results over time will also show if the changes you’ve made are working.
If you have high blood pressure it important to work with your doctor and follow your treatment plan including taking medications as prescribed. Educate yourself about HBP and learn to know your numbers. And commit to making healthy lifestyle choices. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can enhance the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications, and lower your risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, sexual dysfunction, and stroke. Managing blood pressure is a lifelong commitment, but small changes can make a big difference in your blood pressure numbers.
At River Bend Medical Associates we are here to answer your questions about high blood pressure, help you with creating a heart-healthy plan, or attend to any of your other coronary health concerns. Our healthcare approach emphasizes kindness, friendliness, and respect in communicating with all of our patients. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or you suspect you may have it, please call our family practice or go to the “Contact Us” page here on our website, or call 916-392-4000 for more information about how River Bend Medical Associates can help. With proper treatment and management, you can control your blood pressure to help you live a long and healthy life.
