“The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever report on the devastating global impact of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against this silent killer. The report shows approximately 4 out of every 5 people with hypertension are not adequately treated.” “Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide. This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and many other health problems.”
2023 First WHO Report details devastating impact of hypertension and ways to stop it.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is another term for high blood pressure, which refers to the measure of the force of blood pumped by the heart against the resistance of blood flow in the arteries. When this pressure becomes excessively elevated, it can result in damage to the arteries and lead to other health conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Lifestyle Choices
It is a widely accepted fact that living a healthy lifestyle can help minimize a person’s risk of developing hypertension. However, a great majority of people do not feel the urgency or significance of integrating healthy behaviours and making healthy choices until they themselves start to experience the symptoms of hypertension.
Symptoms
The problem is that symptoms of hypertension are similar to those of many other health conditions and can be challenging to recognize. Individuals with dangerously high blood pressure readings may not experience distinguishable outward symptoms.
Preventative Measures
Waiting until noticeable complications appear is not nearly as effective as taking a preventative approach to managing health issues. The “wait and see” method becomes a matter of reactively addressing the already present consequences of hypertension. By then, irreparable damage may already have been done.
For seniors dealing with hypertension, the fact that high blood pressure impacts multiple processes within the body means that the overall state of health and well-being can be compromised. Therefore, it is recommended to gain awareness of the possible implications of hypertension and take an active approach to making healthy choices that can help support seniors’ best state of wellness.
Associated Risks of High Blood Pressure
Seniors with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of contracting a range of illnesses and diseases, such as:
- Heart Failure
- Significant Damage to the Arteries
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
Preventing Hypertension
Incorporating healthy lifestyle practices into everyday life is considered the best approach to decreasing the chances of developing hypertension. Seniors committed to participating in health-promoting behaviours have a meaningful opportunity to notably reduce their chances of developing high blood pressure, thus minimizing their chances of experiencing the associated risks.
Some crucial factors include:
- Diet
- Behaviour
- Weight
- Exercise
- Support
Diet – Reducing the consumption of processed junk foods high in sugar and fat is absolutely vital to nutritious eating. The focus should be on a diet of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy carbs, and quality fish and poultry.
Monitoring sodium intake is also essential for blood pressure; seniors’ daily intake should remain at 1300mg or less (1200mg for seniors over 70). This includes the sodium within processed or prepared foods, not just the salt added to meals at the table.
Choosing Healthy Behaviours – Upholding a healthy lifestyle should extend to all areas of life, and intentionally deciding to steer clear of problematic behaviours that can put health at risk is an integral part of hypertension prevention. Seniors should manage their consumption of alcohol and cease smoking entirely in order to keep themselves healthy for as long as possible.
Managing Weight – Seniors should maintain an awareness of the features of their health that can be altered by changes in weight and should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure their weight is within the healthy range.
Exercise – Incorporating movement and exercise into seniors’ daily routines at a manageable and sustainable level benefits their overall health. When combined with a healthy diet, exercise can make a meaningful difference in protecting against the perils of high blood pressure.
Take Action
It is never too late to start making healthier choices which help protect seniors against high blood pressure or manage existing cases. Conscious choices made by seniors relating to their diet, exercise routines, and other health-promoting behaviours can help to reduce the risks of high blood pressure.
A healthy lifestyle can allow our Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge seniors to maintain better health and overall well-being.
Contact Promyse Home Care today for a Free In-Home Consultation with our Nurse Case Manager to learn how our Home Care Services in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge can help you or a loved one manage and monitor high blood pressure.
