How to manage blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure that the heart exerts on the arteries to carry blood to the body’s organs. Peak pressure is reached when the heart contracts and the pressure is lowest when the heart relaxes.
When the heart meets resistance as it carries blood to the organs, due to various factors such as high levels of “bad” cholesterol in plasma, high blood pressure occurs. The heart increases its muscle mass, which is ultimately harmful because it does not translate into increased blood flow and can lead to coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, arrhythmias and even heart attacks and strokes.
What causes blood pressure to rise?
Blood pressure can rise for a number of reasons:
- Stressful situations
- Fluctuating heart rates
- Eating too much salt
- Overweight and obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Hypercholesterolaemia
- Family history
- Smoking
All of these factors affect cardiovascular health, which declines, possibly causing serious problems like thickening of the blood vessels and increased cholesterol in the arteries, heart failure and it may lead to ischaemic stroke, kidney failure or broken blood vessels in the whites of the eyes.
How is high blood pressure treated?
People suffering from hypertension should carefully monitor their blood pressure in order to maintain good cardiovascular health. For this purpose, it is important to:
- Take oral medication. When deemed appropriate by your medical specialist.
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet, low in sodium and fats.
- Engage in physical activity at least 3 times a week, especially aerobic exercises (walking, cycling, swimming, etc.).
- Consume potassium (fruits and vegetables) as it eliminates sodium in your urine and helps to dilate your arteries.
- Consume dairy products to raise your calcium levels.
- Increase your intake of magnesium by following a diet high in vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains and greens.
By following these recommendations you can improve your blood pressure levels. Also, taking certain food supplements like Keriba Duo can help to improve the health of your heart as it has an anti-hypertensive effect, improves endothelial function and reduces “bad” cholesterol in plasma.
