disorders) or a narrowing of part of the
aorta or arteries leading to the kidneys.
This is called secondary hypertension.
What Is White coat
Hypertension?
Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout
the day. White coat hypertension occurs
when the blood pressure readings at
the doctor's office are higher than other
settings, such as your home. This is
because of being anxious.
In order to confirm that you actually have
high blood pressure, several readings
are needed. A standard way to measure
high blood pressure is with an electronic
machine after five quiet minutes in the
examination room. Alternatively, you may
have your blood pressure measured over
a period of 24 hours with a specialized
home monitor or keep logs of your blood
pressure readings taken at home.
Important Lifestyle
Interventions for
Hypertension
Blood pressure often increases as weight
increases. Weight loss is one of the most
effective lifestyle changes for controlling
blood pressure. Losing even a small
amount of weight if you're overweight or
obese helps reduce your blood pressure.
Adopt a healthy diet consisting of fruits,
vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole
grains, poultry and fish.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Drinking more than moderate amounts
of alcohol can actually raise blood
pressure by several points. It can also
reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure
medications.
Quit smoking. Each cigarette you smoke
increases your blood pressure for many
minutes after you finish. Quitting smoking
can reduce your risk of heart disease and
improve your overall health.
If you have elevated blood pressure,
exercise can help you avoid developing
hypertension. If you already have
hypertension, regular physical activity
can bring your blood pressure down to
safer levels. Some examples of aerobic
exercise you may try to lower blood
pressure include walking, jogging, cycling,
swimming or dancing.
Chronic stress may contribute to high
blood pressure. Take some time to think
about what causes you to feel stressed,
such as work, family, finances or illness.
Emergencies Related to
Hypertension!
Heart attacks and strokes are common
emergencies related to high blood
pressure and can be life threatening. If
you have high blood pressure, it’s critical
that you and those around you recognize
the signs of a heart attack or stroke. Signs
of an impending stroke include slurred
speech and blurry vision. If you begin to
experience these symptoms or someone
with you notices you acting strangely,
contact emergency services immediately.
Kepha Nyanumba is a Consultant
Nutritionist working with Crystal
Health Consultants Limited. You
can commune with him on this
or related matters vide email at:
Ke p h a n y a nu m b a @ g m a i l . c o m ,
follow him on twitter: @knyanumba
or Blog: kephanyanumba.blogspot.
com.