Hypertension, or what they call high blood pressure, is when the systolic blood pressure is consistently above 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure is consistently above 90 mm Hg.
It is becoming a major issue in the world. There are more than a billion people in the world suffering from hypertension. Hypertension is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’ as it sometimes comes with no symptoms associated.
According to the American Heart Association, almost half of American adults have high blood pressure and many don’t even know it. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, almost 1 million people in Ireland suffer from Hypertension and this number was expected to increase by 26% by 2020.
How To Prevent Hypertension
1. Eat healthy:
It’s crucial to eat a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support heart health. Reducing salt (sodium) intake is also incredibly important for lowering blood pressure.
2. Have an active lifestyle:
Make sure that exercise is a part of your routine to keep your heart strong and blood pressure stable. Activities like brisk walking & cycling for two and a half hours a week are a good start.
3. Maintain a healthy weight:
Excess weight can put pressure on your heart. You may want to start a weight loss program to get your weight to a healthy range if it is not.
4. Quit smoking:
Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure. There are many smoking cessation services available, or you can talk to a GP online for professional support.
5. Limit your alcohol intake:
Excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure and interfere with medications. Keep consumption within safe guidelines – generally no more than 14 units per week.
6. Get enough sleep:
Poor sleep is another factor that can increase your risk of hypertension. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support your overall cardiovascular health.
How to Manage Hypertension
1. Monitor it constantly at home:
Home blood pressure monitors make it easier to track your condition on a daily basis. This allows you and your online GP to adjust treatment when needed.
2. Manage your diabetes:
If you have diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is essential. High blood sugar can worsen blood pressure and damage arteries over time.
3. Make changes to ensure a great lifestyle:
Reducing stress, eating well, staying active, and avoiding harmful habits all contribute to long-term blood pressure control.
4. Take medication on time:
Prescription medication for hypertension only works if taken consistently. Be sure to take it on time every day.
5. Communicate with your medical team constantly:
Ongoing support is key. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider or book a GP online consultation with our doctors in Ireland for personalised advice and monitoring.
Stay Ahead of Hypertension – Take Charge of Your Health Today
Hypertension is a high-risk factor in cardiovascular diseases, strokes and organ failure – but it’s manageable with the right medical care and lifestyle. and managing it is crucial.
With Eirdoc, you can easily access our online doctors in Ireland from the comfort of your own home. Whether you need a prescription, follow-up, or expert advice, our team is ready to help. Why not book your GP appointment online today?