High blood pressure (pressure measured in the arm> 140/90 mmHg) is commonly called the "silent killer".
Indeed, for most individuals, it is asymptomatic. High blood pressure damages arteries and renders them more prone to, for example, coronary heart disease. High blood pressure damages other organs in your body as well: the brain, heart, eyes and kidneys. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to take it at different times throughout the day. You can go to a pharmacy or your family physician to have it taken. There are several ways that you can decrease your blood pressure:
- Take your medication regularly as prescribed by your physician. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should speak with your physician:
- Have you ever forgotten to take your blood pressure medication?
- Is it difficult for you to take your medication?
- Are you aware that blood pressure medication can have side effects on your sex drive?
- Have you ever thought of discontinuing your blood pressure medication? If yes, have you ever done so?
- Limit your alcohol intake (2 glasses max/day for women, 3 glasses max/day for men);
- Keep your weight under control;
- Avoid foods with a high salt content, prepackaged foods are often high in salt content, remove salt from the dining table;
- Try and relax a little every day;
- Control your stress levels;
- Exercise regularly.
By making lifestyle changes, blood pressure can be more easily controlled.
Also visit:
http://www.swissheart.chhttp://www.swisshypertension.ch (for health care providers)
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