Recognizing and Managing High Blood PRessure

My blood pressure the other day

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There has been in increase in the number of people diagnosed with high blood pressure. This condition is very dangerous and can result in serious health risks. An ideal blood pressure reading is 120/80 or lower. If you have high blood pressure that is not controlled you run the risk of experiencing artery damage, aneurysms and heart failure. Treating high blood pressure includes lifestyle changes, as well as medication if necessary.

Symptoms
Many people do not experience symptoms if they are in the early stages of this condition; however, a few may experience headaches and dizziness.

Treatment
The first course of treatment is usually a change in diet. This includes a reduced sodium diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods. It is suggested that the diet contains no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

If an individual is overweight, losing that weight can significantly lower blood pressure. According to medical professionals, even a small loss of just five pounds can lower your blood pressure.

Exercising regularly can also lead to lower blood pressure. Adults should try to exercise at least 30 minutes each day. Other lifestyle changes include quitting tobacco and limiting alcohol.

Depending on the level of the high blood pressure condition, your medical professional may prescribe medication including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, rennin inhibitors and others. Medications for severe cases include alpha-beta blockers and vasodilators.

It is very important to follow your physician’s instructions and advice to lower your blood pressure to avoid additional health risks.

Health Problems During Pregnancy

Many times, during pregnancy, a woman will be susceptible to many different kind of health problems that she may not have been susceptible to previously. There are many complications and health issues that can arise for even the most healthy of pregnant women. We all know that morning sickness is one of the most common complaints of pregnant women, and it is definitely a hindrance for many, but what other health problems may arise?

An increase in headache is very common during pregnancy. In fact, many women who have barely ever had headaches before, and never had a migraine, may experience one for the first time during their pregnancy. Many women have said that their headaches during their pregnancies are worse than they have ever been before. Part of this may be due to the lack of medication that can be used during pregnancy, but another part is the hormones. Pregnant women deal with so many new hormones, and many times, these can cause extreme headaches.

High blood pressure is also a challenge for many women. In fact, if a pregnant woman’s blood pressure gets too high, she may even end up on bed rest, as it can be dangerous for both mama and baby.

Gestational diabetes happens in a large number of women. With gestational diabetes, the placenta actually blocks the bodies abilities to regulate sugars in the blood. This can lead to high glucose number for both the mother and the baby, as well as an unusually large baby.

Water retention can lead to swelling in the hands, face, legs, and feet. This can be a problem for many women, especially if there is a large amount of water retention.

Pregnant women can have a lot of different medical issues during their pregnancy. The best way to keep these under control is to make sure that you keep your appointments with your doctor, and let the doctor know any issues you may be having.

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