(Hypertension)
 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is high blood pressure?
- Symptoms of high blood pressure
- Causes of high blood pressure
- Prevention of high blood pressure
- Risk factors for high blood pressure
- Complications of high blood pressure
- When to see a doctor about high blood pressure
- Diagnosis of high blood pressure
- Conventional treatment of high blood pressure
- Alternative/complementary treatment of high blood pressure
- Living with high blood pressure
- Caregiving for someone with high blood pressure
Living with high blood pressure
Management of high blood pressure should be more focused on knowing what the risks of elevating blood pressure are, how much of an effect they have and ensuring they are avoided.
In general, the minimum strategies that should be achieved in order to live with high blood pressure to ensure blood pressure is maintained at a healthier level are:
- Medication - if medication is prescribed, it must be taken as prescribed and as often as prescribed. If you are travelling anywhere, always take enough medication with you to cover you while you are away
- Side effects to medications - if you experience any side effects to any medication you are taking (whether new or existing), you need to let your doctor know so that they can adjust the type and dosage of medication you are taking. Never just stop taking your usual dosage of medications, as it can cause serious and adverse health problems, such as an extreme rise in blood pressure in a very short term. Only your doctor can adjust your medication, never try it yourself
- Discuss any vitamins with doctor - people that want to try vitamins, minerals and/or other supplements to help reduce their high blood pressure need to discuss these with their doctor to ensure that these supplements do not interfere with any medications that are currently being taken
- Exercise more - ensure to engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes, every day to help condition the heart and prevent the blood pressure from rising up
Advertisement
- Surgery - if you are going to have any surgery, you need to inform your specialist which medications you take so that they can adjust your anaesthetic and take proper care of you while you are unconscious
- Dental work - if you are going to have any dental work which require anaesthetic, you need to inform your dentist (or other oral specialist) who will need to ensure they provide appropriate care for you
- Diet - eat in moderation and enjoy a healthy diet that is full of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and a small amount of low fat dairy and a little bit of red meat and some oily fish. Avoid processed foods as they provide little nutritious value and besides are too high in calories, saturated fat and salt, which is a definite no-no for people with high blood pressure
- Drink less alcohol - try to drink less alcohol each day and have at least 2-3 days that are alcohol-free each week
- Reduce stress - relax your mind and body, to help reduce any potential elevation in blood pressure; constant stress is unnecessary for a healthy heart
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 10:alternative treatment 12:caregiving > Last reviewed: 21 August 2007 || Last updated: 10 January 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
