Tips for high blood pressure

Hypertension is an asymptomatic disease but, if left untreated, it can trigger serious complications such as myocardial infarction, hemorrhage or cerebral stroke. Hypertension or high blood pressure usually appears in adults and it is essential to acquire healthy habits as the main measure of prevention since suffering from it has an important cardiovascular risk.

To acquire these healthy habits three essential requirements are required:

- Stay at an appropriate weight
- Do not abuse the consumption of salt
- Exercise regularly

I'm hypertensive, what do I have to do?

The blood pressure should be stabilized below 140/90. Medication is only part of the treatment of hypertension, it is therefore important that the patient becomes aware of his illness and acquires a healthy lifestyle. Next, Dr. Ismael Said, internist and coordinator of the Emergency Service of the Hospital La Milagrosa in Madrid, offers some practical advice:

1. Reduce body weight: Generally hypertension is associated with overweight.

2. Reduce salt consumption less than 3 grams per day and pre-cooked or canned products.

3. Do physical exercise, preferably walking, running moderately, swimming or cycling, from 30 to 45 minutes, a minimum of 3 times per week.

4. Reduce, and if you can eliminate, coffee consumption.

5. Eat foods rich in potassium, as legumes, fruits and vegetables.

6. Do not smoke: tobacco, along with hypertension, further damages the arteries.

7. Measure your tension several days a week, at the same time and in a relaxed situation. If there is a significant change in the usual figures or it is repeated over a period of one or two days, it is advisable to go to the doctor to carry out an in-depth assessment.

Dr. Ismael Said Screening. Internal Medicine Service of La Milagrosa Hospital