ladies blood pressure - #17044
I am starting to get really worried about my health. I've noticed recently that my ladies blood pressure seems to be high, like WAY higher than normal. It all started a few months ago when I was under a ton of stress at work, and I could feel my heart racing all the time. I tried to relax, but the more I thought about the pressure, the more I felt it. I went to the doc, and she took my ladies blood pressure, and it was 145/95! She said it’s 'hypertension' and recommended I take some lifestyle changes seriously, but like what exactly? I tried cutting back on caffeine, but the other day it shot up again to 150/100. I just don’t know what to do and if it’s just the stress or something more. My mom always had issues with her ladies blood pressure, so I’m wondering if it's hereditary? I’m scared of medications but I want to manage this before it gets worse. Has anyone else dealt with their ladies blood pressure changing suddenly like this? What worked for you? I kinda feel lost here.
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Doctors’ responses
When you notice your blood pressure is consistently high, it’s essential to take proactive steps, as high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Since you’ve already been diagnosed with hypertension and your readings are elevated, lifestyle modifications can be a critical component of your management strategy. First, considering your job stress might be a contributing factor, it would be beneficial to adopt stress-reduction techniques. Regular physical activity, like brisk walking for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, can help lower blood pressure. Exercise not only helps reduce stress but also strengthens your heart and improves circulation. Pay attention to your diet: cutting back on salt is crucial, as sodium can raise blood pressure. Try to consume no more than about 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and even less (1,500 mg) is ideal for most adults with high blood pressure. To aid in this, choose fresh foods over processed ones, which often have high salt content. Another valuable step is adopting the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing amounts of red meats and sugary items Its also important to monitor your alcohol intake; drinking in moderation, which means up to one drink per day for women, can help. Since it runs in the family, genetics do play a role, so being aware of your inherited risk can guide you toward more focused lifestyle changes. If your blood pressure remains elevated despite these efforts, medication may become necessary. I understand your hesitancy toward medication, but sometimes, they’re essential for keeping your blood pressure under control and preventing long-term complications. Continue tracking your blood pressure regularly at home and keep a record to discuss with your doctor. If stress continues to be a significant issue, consult a healthcare provider about potential stress management therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. While lifestyle changes can drastically improve control, persistent or severe spikes in blood pressure warrant immediate medical alertness due to the risk of acute issues like a hypertensive crisis.
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