Blood pressure is measured by the force of blood as it presses against vessel walls. The heart pumps blood through arteries throughout the body, but when it reaches certain levels of pressure that are abnormal it can lead to hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure. About one in four American adults have high blood pressure, which leads to an increased risk of heart and kidney disease, stroke and heart failure. Fortunately regular visits to a heart doctor can inform you if you have high blood pressure and what actions to take to reduce it. Likewise, if your blood pressure is normal then your heart doctor can teach you methods on how to prevent it from rising.
High blood pressure is a condition that is normally ignored, because it causes no symptoms, which is why it is commonly referred to as “the silent killer.” Many factors come into play when determining the roots of blood pressure. It is affected by age, ethnicity, diet, weight, family history and stress. There are many cardiologists dedicated to informing patients about how to contain healthy blood pressure, Dr. Bereliani is one of those cardiologists who can help treat and prevent high blood pressure.
Blood pressure measurement has a systolic (top) number and a diastolic (bottom) number. Normal readings of 119/79 or lower are considered healthy. Patients in prehypertension phase have blood pressure that ranges from 120/80 to 139/89. Prehypertension means that patients are at risk of developing Stage 1 high blood pressure. Patients with Stage 1 reach numbers of 140/90 to 159/99. Anything above those readings fall into the Stage 2 category. People with anything above normal readings need to consult their doctor about how to treat high blood pressure.
VISIT A DOCTOR BEFORE REDUCING BLOOD PRESSURE
Before attempting to lower blood pressure it is advised to visit a physician or cardiologist to ensure that the body is capable of making lifestyle changes. Dr. Bereliani can administer a thorough physical exam and evaluate medical history for any individual case. Upon that, a customized program will be in place to start treatment.
HOW TO REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE
Healthy lifestyle is the first step to reduce high blood pressure. Adopting healthy habits can help the patient avoid, delay or reduce the use of medication. Here are some lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure:
Lose weight and shrink waistline
Engage in regular exercise
Eat healthy diet
Reduce sodium intake
Limit alcohol consumption
Avoid tobacco and smoking
Reduce caffeine intake
Avoid stress
Monitor blood pressure at home
Find support from friends and relatives
If lifestyle modifications are not effective, antihypertensive medication with moderate dosages and minimal side effects are prescribed to reduce blood pressure.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
People who do not have high blood pressure readings are fortunate, but cannot take that luck for granted. Medical history, family history, diet, weight and stress levels can still lead to high blood pressure. The patient can prevent high blood pressure by:
Maintaining healthy weight
Exercise
Minimize salt consumption
Moderate alcohol use
Reduce stress
Refer to doctors before committing to dietary supplements. Nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, fish oils and garlic can also help prevent high blood pressure.
According to WebMD high blood pressure is dangerous, because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood. Its effects can lead to hardening of arteries, cardiovascular diseases and development of heart failure.
For more information about preventing or treating high blood pressure, visit Dr. Bereliani at the Beverly Hills Institute for Preventive Medicine and Cardiology. His staff is dedicated to promote healthy lifestyle programs for patients. It is not recommended to avoid high blood pressure treatment. Discover the effects of treatment and how to keep your heart and body healthy.
