High Blood Pressure (hypertension) and Heart Health Risk
Over time, high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure, amongst other things.
High blood pressure is formally diagnosed by a healthcare professional when you have multiple (three) readings of high blood pressure (greater than 140/90), on three separate occasions, over a period of at least two weeks.
To get an accurate picture the healthcare professional may get you to monitor your blood pressure at home, or refer you to a cardiology specialist, such as South Island Heart, for a Blood Pressure monitor (AMBP).
An AMBP is a small portable machine that checks and records your blood pressure automatically over a period of time (often 24 hours).
For most people, there isn’t a single cause for high blood pressure. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to the following lifestyle tips can help minimise risk.
These are:
Lowering your intake of processed and/or salty foods
Lowering your alcohol intake – the more you drink, the higher your risk
Quit smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising/moving more
Lowering stress – there is evidence that the hormones released when stressed increase your blood pressure rate
Your healthcare advisor may also advise that you take medication to lower your blood pressure. This in turn will also lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with high blood pressure, following the above lifestyle tips will help improve your overall heart health and lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.