If you suspect you have high blood pressure or have a current diagnosis, it’s crucial to know the symptoms. Also known as hypertension, it’s a serious condition affecting over 1.25 billion adults ages 30 to 79 worldwide. While many people experience no symptoms at first, there are some signs of high blood pressure. When you know more about your health status and the steps to lower your blood pressure, it’s easier to prevent any long-term health problems.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing through your arteries is higher than it should be. Blood pressure is determined by how much blood your heart pumps and the size and resistance of your arteries. When blood pressure is high, it increases the heart’s workload and can damage the lining of your arteries. Over time, this can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Although you might not notice symptoms at first, there are signs of hypertension. The following are the most common related to high blood pressure:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
What to Do If You Have High Blood Pressure
If your doctor diagnoses you with hypertension, it’s essential to take steps to lower your blood pressure. Lifestyle changes and medications can reduce and help you manage hypertension.
Eating Nutritious Meals
One way to lower your blood pressure is with a nutritious diet. Choose foods low in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber. Good options include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein.
Exercising Regularly
Another way to lower blood pressure is by being physically active. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. You can break this up into 30-minute sessions five times a week.
Staying within Your Target Blood Pressure Range
If you’re taking medication to lower your blood pressure, it’s vital to stay within your target blood pressure range. This can be different for everyone and might require some adjustments to your medication. Work with your doctor to find the best target range for you.
See Your Doctor Regularly
Finally, it’s essential to see your doctor regularly for checkups. They can monitor your blood pressure and adjust your treatment as needed. These appointments are also necessary for tests to check for related health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
Remember, you’re not alone. Nearly 1 and 2 Americans 18 and older have hypertension.
Keeping Blood Pressure Under Control
The best way to prevent hypertension is to keep your blood pressure under control. You can do this by following your doctor’s instructions and making healthy lifestyle changes. If you have high blood pressure, it’s critical to monitor your blood pressure regularly and take your medications as prescribed. These steps can help prevent any long-term health problems.
With the right changes, you can achieve healthy blood pressure, reduce your heart disease risk, and eliminate the need for medication.
Add CBD to Your Wellness Plan
If you are looking for an addition to your wellness plan to improve your overall health, try CBD oil for blood pressure. Although the plant extract has not been FDA-approved to treat hypertension, early research suggests it could be a potential natural treatment.
CBD has promise in several areas of complementary health care that corresponds with the needs of individuals with high blood pressure.
CBD and Stress
Cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate stress. Studies show that the naturally occurring compound may reduce cortisol levels, which is one of the body’s stress hormones. Lowering cortisol might improve mood and reduce adverse stress reactions.
CBD and Sleep
Poor sleep can ruin your day, and when it snowballs from once in a while to a nightly problem, the stress and anxiety will affect your blood pressure. The hemp extract has the potential to improve sleep by reducing how long you take to fall asleep and helping you sleep longer. When you get seven to eight hours of quality rest, your body and mind are restored, which positively impacts your blood pressure.
CBD and Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a common condition that can lead to several health problems, including heart disease. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that might help to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy heart.
High blood pressure is a serious condition. But it can get better. With the right changes, you can achieve healthy blood pressure and reduce your heart disease risk. If you have uncontrolled hypertension, speak to your doctor today.
