High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

Blood Pressure Readings: An ideal blood pressure reading is 120/80. The top number is your Systolic Reading this indicates how much blood is pressuring your arteries while your heart is beating. The bottom number is your Diastolic Reading this indicates how much blood is pressuring your heart in between heartbeats. Higher readings can mean your blood is not pumping properly, this could be putting stress on your arteries. When numbers are higher you may want to discuss with your physician and monitor your readings. Here are some examples as to why you may have high blood pressure.  While there are 5 reported below, other reasons such as smoking, family history of hypertension, race, gender, and age.

1) Stress: Stress causes your hormones to go a little crazy, this may put pressure on your heart. Longer periods of stress may also lead to excessive eating and drinking which will also impact your blood pressure

2) Salt: Salt causes the body to retain water. When there is an excess of water in your body it can apply pressure to your blood vessels which can elevate your blood pressure readings. Make sure to always read nutrition labels. Keep on the lookout for hidden sodium.

3) Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and movement can cause our hearts to become lazy. This can affect our blood pressure. If you work in a sedentary environment, remember to stand up and walk around. Try to get in 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week.

4) Alcohol Consumption: Excess drinking has been shown to have an affect on the central nervous system and then the heart and blood pressure as a byproduct. If you want to drink occasionally remember to follow standard health guideline. One drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

5) Weight Gain: When you are overweight, you put more stress on your heart, thus leading to higher blood pressure levels. When you lose the pounds, your blood pressure reading tends to go down as well.

If you are interested, you can try out the DASH Diet recommended by Dr. Oz… https://www.doctoroz.com/feature/dash-diet-guide