High blood pressure has the potential to cause serious damage. And if left undiagnosed or untreated, it increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and numerous health problems. According to Dr. Ahmet Sayan of Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine – located in St. Thomas and St. Croix, high blood pressure is often called the silent killer because it is a disorder with no apparent symptoms.
Because of high blood pressure’s subtlety (and the known potential and serious health consequences), it is imperative for everyone to have their blood pressure checked regularly. This is especially true for everyone as they grow older and those who possess known risk factors –
- Obesity.
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- A family history of hypertension
- Other related medical conditions.
High Blood Pressure: Strategies for Control
Early detection and managing your high blood pressure are essential to maximize your ability to prevent related complications and your overall health. Controlling high blood pressure typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, and in certain instances, medication is recommended -
- Maintain a Healthy/Recommended Weight - Even modest weight loss has an impact on blood pressure. A healthy weight can be managed by –
- Adopting a diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reducing fats and sugars.
- Engaging in regular physical activity such as walking or swimming. Add muscle-strengthening exercises a couple of times each week.
- Some people may be sensitive to caffeine, so avoid consumption, which raises blood pressure temporarily.
- Limit/Reduce/Eliminate Stress – Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, square/deep breathing, or Binaural Beats can help reduce stress levels, which lowers blood pressure.
- Quit Smoking – the act of smoking actually does the opposite of reducing stress and raises blood pressure while damaging blood vessels.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption – this translates to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks each day for men.
- Get enough rest/sleep – lack of quality sleep can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Medication - If lifestyle changes alone don’t bring about desired results, Dr. Sayan may prescribe one of several classes of meds that effectively lower blood pressure.
Regular monitoring with a device at home is the simplest way to track your progress.
Call for a Consultation with Leading Cardiology Professionals Near You
For more information, contact the cardiology professionals at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, which has offices that serve St. Thomas and St. Croix. They can be reached at 340-714-2845 (St. Thomas), 340-692-5000 (St. Croix), or online.