Preventing high blood pressure and knowing your numbers

Health is wealth, as the old saying goes. To maintain optimal well-being, you need to take care of the basics - eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. September 4th through 10th is Know Your Numbers Week, which encourages people to be aware of and monitor important health numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI).

In this blog, we will focus on one such number: blood pressure, specifically high blood pressure, and how to prevent it while also emphasising the critical importance of knowing your numbers.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to severe health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. According to the National Health Service, high blood pressure is defined as having a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.

The prevention of high blood pressure

High blood pressure can oftentimes be prevented or reduced through lifestyle changes. Below are some recommended preventive measures:

• Eating Healthily: Reducing salt intake and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods can make a huge difference. Eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily is recommended.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: This BMI calculator lets you find out if you’re healthy. According to The NHS, even losing just 5-10% of total body weight can reduce blood pressure.
• Regular Exercise: Exercise not only reduces blood pressure but also has a positive impact on overall health. The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise.
• Limiting Alcohol Consumption: To prevent high blood pressure, it is recommended to drink in moderation - i.e., no more than 14 units per week. Blood Pressure UK recommends over five days.

Knowing your numbers

Prevention is always better than cure. Knowing important health numbers, including blood pressure, is critical in maintaining your well-being. To monitor blood pressure accurately at home, use a clinically validated blood pressure monitor and take a reading at the same time daily. Blood Pressure UK recommends that everyone should know their blood pressure numbers and suggests getting a free blood pressure check at least every five years to stay informed.

Here are some key facts highlighting the importance of knowing your numbers based on information from Blood Pressure UK:

• 6 million people in the UK have high blood pressure and don’t know it.
• 1 in 2 strokes and heart attacks are the result of high blood pressure.
• 1 in 3 adults in the UK have high blood pressure.
• 1 in 2 adults with high blood pressure don’t know they have it or aren’t receiving treatment.

These facts underscore the urgent need to know your numbers and take proactive steps to monitor and manage your blood pressure. Regular blood pressure checks can help identify any potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious health problems.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a common, preventable condition that can have severe impacts on health. The key to healthy living is to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, nourishing food and getting regular blood pressure check-ups. The facts discussed above highlight the importance of knowing your numbers and the Know Your Numbers! campaign serves as a vital resource to raise awareness and provide support for those with high blood pressure. By knowing your numbers and taking the necessary steps, you can actively work towards maintaining healthy blood pressure and enjoying a long and fulfilling life.

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