03/02/2021
When you go to the medical of one of the first things that is taken is your blood pressure. But do you know what the numbers mean? When should you start being concerned?
A diagnosis of hypertension/high blood pressure requires two separate readings of systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or greater and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg.
Hypertension occurs when there is a narrowing of the arteries, causing either the heart to work harder to force blood to different parts of the body (systolic hypertension) or the force in which the blood returns to the body is too great (diastolic hypertension). You can have transient elevation of blood pressure with a high salt meal, caffeine, or stress, but it’ll typically go down.
Complications can arise from uncontrolled hypertension, including heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and cerebral hemorrhage. Many people are asymptomatic, even at Stage 2 hypertension.
Some symptoms that may necessitate a visit to the doctors or ER include consistent shortness of breath (especially at rest), chest tightness, facial drooping, arm weakness or pain, or speech difficulties.
Medications isn’t necessary right off the bat!
What you can work on:
-Lose weight if overweight
-Correct sleep apnea if present and get 7-9 hours of sleep
-Correct thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
-Decreasing sodium in your diet to less than 3500mg daily
-Nutrient supplementation or support via foods, especially in potassium (high in legumes, fish, avocado) and magnesium (dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish).
-Ideally have 4700mg of daily potassium and 400mg of magnesium
-Avoid all or excess alcohol (defined as 2-3 alcoholic drinks daily)
-Discontinuing nonessential medications like decongestants, birth control medications
Supplements and medications can be employed short or long term to control hypertension.
Make an appointment if even with the above reduction of risk factors, you still need additional support to control your blood pressure.
