There are some individuals who are really easily stressed out whenever they hear bad news. Consequently, they are so overwhelmed with a situation that this causes their respective blood pressures to shoot up aggressively.
Sixty-eight of Americans surveyed by The Harris Poll for APA said the presidential race was causing them significant stress.
While we all know that stress can kill us, having high blood pressure will do the same thing. Health experts say if your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other vital organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
If left untreated and uncontrolled, this increases your risk of number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease.
Meanwhile, the American Heart Association shared the following basic steps to control your blood pressure:
* Know your numbers. Most people diagnosed with high blood pressure want to stay below 130/80 mm Hg, but your healthcare provider can tell you your personal target blood pressure.
* Work with your doctor. Your healthcare provider will help you make a plan to lower your blood pressure.
* Make a few lifestyle changes. In many cases, this will be your doctor’s first recommendation. Steps include striving for a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9, eating healthier, reducing sodium, being active and limiting alcohol.
* Regularly monitor your blood pressure at home.
* If you have to take prescribed medications, take it exactly the way your medical provider has told you to do so.
Ana Williams is the health columnist for The Graham Star.