High Blood Pressure - A.K.A The Silent Killer

This post is for someone very near and dear to my heart who was diagnosed with high blood pressure a few months back. Her doctor put her on blood pressure medication and advised her of ways to change her lifestyle to reduce her blood pressure. Well, she didn't listen to the doctor's advice or the advice of the people who love her. She went on slathering butter on her biscuits and enjoying her favorite foods - macaroni and cheese, anything fried etc. She thought this 'miracle pill' would cure her high blood pressure and that no action was needed on her part. Contrarily, when she went to her follow up appointment her blood pressure was an alarming 160/75.A normal range is less than 120/80. A pill is not going to reverse her high blood pressure, a lifestyle change is the only cure.

High blood pressure increases your risk of getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. I love this person very much and want her to stick around for a while. It seems like she just doesn't know how to make healthy food choices or where to begin with an active lifestyle. Rather, than constantly preaching to her - which has proven to be ineffective - myself and other loved ones have vowed to lead by example and show her the right ways to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. We will attend cooking classes, go walking and exercising, and share our personal experiences with her.

Here are some ways to help reduce high blood pressure:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Incorporate exercise/physically activity into your lifestyle
• Follow a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
• Prepare foods with less salt and sodium
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation

I will keep you updated on her progress and perhaps I will reveal this person to you. For more information, check out the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) "Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure".