About 1 in 3 Americans have prehypertension, which is a problem that you can easily prevent. But not enough Americans do anything about to treat prehypertension until it’s turned into high blood pressure.
What is Prehypertension?
Prehypertension is when your blood pressure levels are higher than normal, but less than what doctors consider in the high blood pressure range.
When your blood pressure levels are between 120-139 and 80-89 it is considered as prehypertension.
You can check these numbers at a doctor’s office or at a local drugstore that has free blood pressure machines.
Prehypertension can easily lead to high blood pressure levels if you don’t treat it quickly and correctly.
Prehypertension Treatment to Avoid High Blood Pressure
About 59 million people in the United States have prehypertension.
Treatments generally don’t include medicine or prescription drugs.
Diet
Diet is a huge factor in blood pressure levels. Foods high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat will raise blood pressure.
Plaque builds up in blood vessels over time with poor dieting, causing restricted blood flow.
Diets rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables will help keep blood pressure lower. These foods are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins that help your heart stay strong and your blood vessels plaque free.
Exercise
Exercise is another way to treat prehypertension and also helps with weight loss.
Minimal exercise can lead to a weakened heart because the heart is a muscle that you can strengthen through elevated heart rate.
Exercise also reduces stress, which can raise blood pressure. Prehypertension can be caused by acute stress.
Endorphins in the brain are released after exercise and help the body relax and induce a natural state of happiness.
Since obesity is a common indicator of high blood pressure, losing weight through exercise and dieting is an effective prehypertension treatment.
Being at a safe and healthy weight will better guarantee overall health and well-being, as well as maintaining a stable blood pressure. The less stress that is put on the body, the less likely your blood vessels will tighten and restrict.
Drinking and Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol and smoking has also shown to cause prehypertension.
Reducing alcohol and smoking will lower stress and harm on your heart and body by speeding up your heart rate and causes irregular heart beats at times.
Supplements
Supplements like l-arginine also act as a prehypertension treatment since it helps lower blood pressure by opening and relaxing blood vessels.
L-arginine can be found in foods like nuts, fish, and whole grains as well as supplements. you can be more conscious of filling your diet with more l-arginine to help with preyhypertension.
Risks of Hypertension
Prehypertension treatments are a change in habits and lifestyle that are worth the effort.
If prehypertension goes untreated, it can easily escalate and turn into high blood pressure and other serious health issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and diabetes.
Your health affects almost every facet of your life. When you eat and live healthier, you feel healthier and happier.
Visit a doctor if you feel that you are unable to make the changes on your own. They can customize and help create a plan for you to lower blood pressure safely.
Resources
http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_bloodpressure.htm