Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, affects 1 out of every 4 Americans, according to the American Diabetes Association. High blood pressure is usually a symptom of a larger problem, whether your saturated fat content is too high, your LDL cholesterol is through the roof or your cardiovascular health simply isn't where it should be. If your doctor has found that you have high blood pressure, then you should at least be glad it was detected early. With some diet modifications and lifestyle changes, you can still minimize your risk of complications before it's too late.
If you are hypertensive, then it can be caused by many lifestyle choices. For instance, a 2005 study found that women who took 500 mg of Tylenol each day for headaches or pains were more likely to develop high blood pressure than women who did not. Users of cocaine and amphetamines, as well as smokers, were also more at risk. High body fat, high salt intake, low potassium intake, high cholesterol levels, inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption and high stress are often linked to hypertension as well. Health experts say that this condition isn't so cut-and-dry, that poor lifestyle choices aren't always the culprit. Some people are just at risk because they're aging, pregnant or born into a family with a history of high blood pressure.
The next time you visit the doctor, listen for the reading when the inflatable arm cuff is squeezing your arm. The ideal number indicating normal blood pressure is 115/75. The doctor may say you have hypertension if your numbers are 120-139, which indicates systolic pressure, or over 80-89 for diastolic pressure. Stage one hypertension is a reading of 140-159/90-99 and stage two is a reading of 160+/100+. Don't feel alarmed by one high reading. You may have eaten a high cholesterol breakfast of bacon and eggs before coming in for tests and your heart is just working a little harder than usual. However, you should perform heart health tests either at home or return for another check up very soon to be sure.
A 2006 study found that adults who worked more than 40-50 hours per week were more likely to have high blood pressure and poor heart health than those who worked less than 40 hours. While hard work may be the "American way" and has become a necessity for many families across the US, health experts say that it's taking its toll on our sleep, our diets and our time set aside to spend relaxing or exercising. All these factors make us more susceptible to hypertension and an untimely death. Perhaps, if we just take a moment to examine our lifestyle choices, then we can add another 10 years onto our lives.
As we get older there are important numbers that begin to weigh to a great extent upon us. We have to concern ourselves about our weight, levels of cholesterol, as well as our blood pressure. Things we may have ignored our entire lives now suddenly they have significant importance. But these are things that should never have been disregarded. A lifetime of abuse on the body gives merely negative things when left unrestrained.
Your cholesterol level is without question critical if you wish to remain healthy and your body working the right way. High levels has the ability to lead lead to heart attacks as well as stroke, both things you do not want to have to contend with. Being concerned about your cholesterol level is not just for the aging. It is something both young as well as older people must worry and be mindful of if they hope to to lead a healthy life. In this article we will go over the basics of cholesterol and hopefully you will realize how all-important a healthy level is to your body and peace of mind.
What is good cholesterol?
Good cholesterol is called HDL which is high-density lipoproteins. Doctor's believe that the high levels of HDL can actually protect your heart whereas low levels of HDL can increase your risk of heart disease. It is thought that HDL can carry cholesterol away from your arteries and back to the liver where it is passed from the body.
How can you prevent high cholesterol?
You can help take steps against having too much LDL cholesterol in your body by exercising, not smoking and eating right. These three things are the primary reasons why people have excessive LDL. Yes, some of your cholesterol levels have to do with family history but doctors have proven time and time again that a diet rich in fish and Omega-3 along with a healthy weight will reduce the overall LDL numbers. The body needs to have plenty of exercise as well.
How is the blockage from the arteries withdrawn?
The initial stage is through medicines however if there is a measurable contracting or obstruction in the artery or blood vessel then a slightly more invasive operation is called for. The actual processes might vary but one popular method is through a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is entered into the artery and then naviagted to the obstruction where the build up of plaque has taken place. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the operation is minimally invasive and most patients are able to going home on that very day.
Does a diet rich in fish really help lower my cholesterol?
You may be surprised but a diet rich in fish, particularly salmon, can help you lower your overall LDL cholesterol while helping raise the HDL cholesterol. It is the omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help the body. But do not stop at just salmon. There are other great foods that can help you reduce your LDL's and raise your HDL's such as: avocados, garlic, black beans, uncooked soy and even Shitake mushrooms.
To find out additional information Cholesterol Medications with more helpful material at Healthy Cholesterol Levels and Normal Levels Of Cholesterol
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