Does Lower Blood Pressure Reduce Health Problems?
Researchers have been testing the theory that a lower systolic blood pressure level can help reduce the risk of kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and death. Guidelines that are set in place currently adhere to the systolic blood pressure being below 140 millimeters of mercury. However, research shows that it might need to aim for below 120 in order to reduce hypertension and other health risks.
According to Indu Poornima, the Allegheny General Hospital director of nuclear medicine and the director of the hospital’s Women’s Heart Center, it is worth the in-depth discussion with doctors to see if patients can benefit from achieving an aggressive target blood pressure reading such as below 120.
Blood Pressure Study and Results
The results of a study that was being conducted by the NHLBI Institute, also known as the National Heart, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute showed that 120 participants in the study experienced 30% fewer heart disease diagnosis, heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.
The study came to an abrupt halt when the Data and Safety Monitoring Board, which is responsible for monitoring such studies, felt that it was unethical to continue the study without offering the same opportunity and health benefits to the other participants. Everyone deserved the chance to seek improved blood pressure control and reduce health risks.
The NHLBI will be publishing the results after their analyzation is complete. They plan to publish the findings in a medical journal while continuing the process of a separate study that focuses on a related issue on whether elevated blood-pressure levels have an effect on cognitive function in senior citizens.
The results of this study are promising and encourage doctors to consider the options for their patients on an individual basis. The participants of this study only had hypertension issues. Patients who suffer from other ailments such as kidney disease and diabetes were excluded from the study so focus can only be placed on high blood pressure levels.
Lifestyle affects high blood pressure
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, or hypertension, you will want to discuss your options with your doctor. As soon as patients find out they have high blood pressure, their pressure spikes because they become emotional, upset or afraid. This is a normal reaction because blood pressure levels are such an important factor when it comes to your health.
Try to remain as calm as possible and listen to your doctor. In the beginning your doctor will require you to make some lifestyle changes if necessary. You will want to improve your diet by adding fresh vegetables, fruits and poultry to your daily regimen. You will also need to remove sugary snacks and processed foods from your diet. If you smoke or drink you will want to quit. Some doctors will approve of having a few glasses of wine a couple times a week, but it depends on your overall health.
Exercising on a daily basis should be a part of your life. Many people live such busy lives they feel like they don’t have time to exercise. But, you will have to carve out at least 30 minutes per day of exercise most days of the week. Beneficial exercises include walking, swimming and hiking. These exercises can be done outdoors or you can walk indoors on a treadmill.
If you feel that you will give up easily on daily exercise, try to do something fun. Find something that interests you. For example if you love birds, go bird watching at your local park. Make sure you walk around and look at all the birds hiding the trees and surrounding areas. Try to do this a few times a week. You can also incorporate yoga or tai chi classes into your exercise routine. Just 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes of tai chi and a few laps swimming in the pool or at your local lake or beach is a 30 minute workout. Inviting friends along is also helpful since you can carry on an interesting conversation and time will go quicker.
Natural blood pressure supplements
There are times when patients are so eager to feel better and improve their health they conduct their own online research and come across beneficial natural blood pressure products such as PD120. This natural blood pressure supplement helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, has natural ingredients and no side effects.
Always discuss adding a supplement to your daily regimen with your doctor first. Your doctor knows every detail of your health conditions and supplements like PD120 can be a perfect fit for your situation. Bring a bottle along to your next doctor visit and discuss the product in depth. Your doctor will confirm if PD120 is best suited for you and will advise you how to take it either in combination with your prescription medication or alone.