To maintain proper blood pressure, it is good to include fruits (for example, bananas) and vegetables rich in potassium in the diet. Walking briskly for at least 30 minutes every day is as effective as medication in controlling BP.
Regularly checking BP for those over 30 years of age can help detect the disease at an early stage. Early diagnosis and a healthy lifestyle can prevent accidents such as heart attack and stroke.
Hypertension occurs when the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels is higher than normal (120/80 mmHg). The main factors that lead to this are as follows:
Excessive salt intake: Increased salt (sodium) in the diet causes water retention in the body, which increases blood pressure.
Stress: Excessive anxiety and stress increase hormones such as adrenaline in the body. This increases the heart rate and constricts the blood vessels, causing BP to rise.
Lack of exercise: Decreased physical activity reduces the heart’s capacity and causes obesity. This is a major cause of high blood pressure.
Wrong diet: Processed foods that are high in fat and sugar cause blockages in the arteries.
Alcoholic habits: Smoking thickens the blood vessels (atherosclerosis). Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause blood pressure to rise dangerously.
Heredity: If your parents or close relatives have BP in your family, you are more likely to develop it.
