The Centers for Disease Control reports that 39.8 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and hypertension id the cause of 26,634 deaths each year. Most people associate high blood pressure with cardiovascular disease, but hypertension can cause a multitude of other health problems. Obesity, kidney disease, and diabetes are also associated with high blood pressure, so it is essential to track your blood pressure and know the risk factors since most people who have high blood pressure so not show symptoms. The good news is that it is possible to reduce your risk of developing hypertension and lowering you blood pressure if it is high by exercising regularly and maintaining healthy nutrition.
Risk Factors Related to Hypertension
While everyone needs to keep watch on their blood pressure, people who fall into high-risk groups need to be particularly vigilant. For example, African Americans tend to experience high blood pressure more frequently than those of Caucasian, Hispanic, or Asian descent do. While the prevalence of hypertension tends to increase with age, men under the age of 45 are more likely than other groups to have uncontrolled high blood pressure. Additionally, men between the ages of 45 and 65 are more likely to high blood pressure than women in the same age range are. Conversely, women over the age of 65 are more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension than men are.
Some of the other risk factors over which people have some level of control that are associated with hypertension include the following:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Heavy consumption of alcohol
- Smoking
- Low levels of dietary potassium
- High levels of stress
Proper Diet and Nutrition Reduces High Blood Pressure
The key to maintain healthy blood pressure is to exercise on a regular basis and to have a diet that is low in fat to keep you cholesterol level within normal ranges. Additionally, make sure diet is rich in the grains, fruits, and vegetables that are rich in potassium and phytochemicals that reduce the oxidative damage to blood vessels caused by free radicals. Furthermore, when you eat a protein dense diet, you are better able to control your weight and reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, you will have the energy and sense of well-being you need to enjoy your summer.
REFERENCES:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hyprtens.htm
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/prevention.html
http://www.ash-us.org/About-Hypertension/Hypertension-Information.aspx
