The Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Strategies for High Blood Pressure

by Tia Dewick in News

Blood pressure is an important indicator of our cardiovascular health. Medical professionals diagnose high blood pressure when values read 140/90mmHg (systolic/diastolic blood pressure) and above. Alternatively, reaching the optimal blood pressure values of 120/80mmHg is recommend for good health. Here at Griffin Fit we offer blood pressure testing; however, this does not indicate an official medical diagnosis and we alternatively recommend you see a doctor for an official diagnosis.

 

Signs and symptoms

-Severe headache

-Fatigue or confusion

-Vision problems

-Chest pain

-Difficulty breathing

-Irregular heartbeat

-Blood in the urine

-Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears

 

It is important to look out for these signs and symptoms or receive a blood pressure test. If high blood pressure remains untreated it may lead to the following health complications:

-Atherosclerosis: narrowing of the arteries.

-Stroke: haemorrhage or blood clot in the brain.

-Aneurysm: dangerous expansion of the main artery either in the chest or the abdomen, which becomes weakened and may rupture.

-Heart attack.

-Heart failure: reduced pumping ability.

-Kidney failure.

-Eye damage.

 

Treatment Strategies

To help prevent the development of these health complications, there are numerous treatment strategies and lifestyle changes available. First of all on our client only website portal, we recommend using the 3F scoring system whereby mindfulness and deep breathing may help alleviate stress and improve general wellbeing. In addition to stress relief, further lifestyle changes which may help lower blood pressure include a healthier diet by consuming less salt (ideally less than 6g a day which is approximately a teaspoonful), less fat, at least 5 fruit and vegetables a day, reduced alcohol intake, weight loss if overweight, minimal caffeine intake, quit smoking and getting at least 6 hours of sleep each night. One of the most strongest treatment strategies available is physical activity! Studies have shown improvements in blood pressure within just 24 hours of physical activity! A variety of activities including walking, moderate and high intensity aerobic activity (such as cycling, running, rowing and many more!), housework and resistance training can ALL improve your blood pressure and so there is at least one activity out there for everyone which is both enjoyable and full of health benefits! If you would like to achieve more optimal health then be sure to contact us!

 

Be sure to keep on top of your health no matter how busy life gets!