Practical Tips for Managing High Blood Pressure
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month
5/29/2024
Dr. Bryan Austin, Aspirus Interventional Cardiologist
Did you know that
high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can quietly affect people of
all ages? Shockingly,
nearly half of US adults have it, yet many are unaware of their condition.
Despite its silent nature, uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health
problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
While some risk
factors for high blood pressure are beyond individual control, such as age,
family history, race, and ethnicity, lifestyle changes can have a significant
impact on heart health. Here are specific lifestyle recommendations from the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to help manage high blood
pressure:
- Maintain a healthy
weight
- Limit sodium intake
- Stay active with
regular exercise
- Avoid tobacco
products
- Moderate alcohol
consumption
- Manage stress
effectively
Bryan
Austin, MD, Interventional Cardiologist with Aspirus Health, reminds us
that everyone can benefit from making heart-healthy choices.
“We should all try
to make smart choices with our diet and move our body more, but that doesn’t
mean we have to go out and run marathons to be healthy.” Whether it’s checking
food labels for sodium content or taking daily walks with the dog, he advises people
to, “start small, set yourself up for success and don’t be too hard on
yourself.”
It's important to
monitor blood pressure regularly and follow your healthcare provider's
recommendations regarding medications or other interventions if needed.
Visit nhlbi.nih.gov/hypertension
or heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
to find information and tools to help you track your numbers, know what
questions to ask your provider, learn how to get an accurate reading, and
better understand how to prevent or control high blood pressure.
For information
about Heart Care services available through Aspirus Health, visit aspirus.org/heart-vascular-services.
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