Here’s What To Expect With Remote Patient Monitoring
Using technology to continually keep your doctor in the loop can lead to better health outcomes. Let’s take a closer look at remote patient monitoring, how it works, and what it can do.
Tips for Lowering Your Blood Pressure
Over one third of Americans have high blood pressure. It’s a very common condition, but it doesn’t have noticeable warning signs and you may not know you have it until you get your blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office.
When high blood pressure is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can increase your risk of serious health complications like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. The good news is that high blood pressure is treatable and there are lots of ways to lower your blood pressure naturally.
Our team at Medical Associates Of North Texas specializes in managing chronic conditions, including high blood pressure. We take a comprehensive approach to blood pressure management, and treatment often begins with some healthy lifestyle changes.
Here are some of our best tips for lowering your blood pressure, whether you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or you’re hoping to avoid a future diagnosis.
Eat a balanced diet
Did you know that the food you eat directly impacts your heart health and your blood pressure? It’s true! Foods that are high in sodium (salt) and trans fats, like processed foods and fast foods, are linked to higher blood pressure.
On the other hand, healthier foods can boost heart health and lower your blood pressure. To improve your blood pressure, eat a balanced diet that contains:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean protein
- Low-fat dairy
Alcohol can also raise your blood pressure. Enjoying alcoholic drinks in moderation is generally okay, but don’t exceed one drink per day if you’re a woman, or two if you’re a man.
Quit smoking
Smoking cigarettes is a major risk factor for heart disease, the number one cause of death for women and men in the United States. Smoking damages your lungs and your heart, and it’s also linked to high blood pressure.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but doing it can make a significant difference for your health. Even if you’ve smoked for years, it’s never too late to quit. In fact, heart health begins improving within a few days after your last cigarette — and your blood pressure improves too.
Prioritize exercise
Next to eating a healthy diet, regular exercise is one of the best ways to lower your blood pressure naturally. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week can increase heart health and lower high blood pressure.
Try aerobic activities like walking, jogging, biking, or swimming. For some people, incorporating regular exercise can be just as effective for lowering blood pressure as some blood pressure medications.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese puts increased strain on your heart, and that extra weight can also contribute to high blood pressure. Our team at Medical Associates Of North Texas can help you learn what your ideal body weight is, and determine if your weight could be negatively impacting your blood pressure.
If you’re overweight, we offer personalized weight loss programs to help you achieve a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure. If you’re already at a healthy weight, we can help you maintain it and improve your heart health.
High blood pressure can pose a risk to your overall well-being, but there’s a lot you can do to protect your health. Find out more about lifestyle changes to lower high blood pressure, as well as other options like blood pressure medication, to manage your condition. Call our Fort Worth, Texas, office at 972-695-8053 or send us a message online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Prevent an Ingrown Toenail By Following This Nail Clipping Guide
Did you know that proper nail clipping techniques can help avoid painful ingrown toenails? Follow this detailed nail clipping guide to help your toenails stay healthy and free from infection.
What to Expect at a Spirometry Testing Appointment
Spirometry testing assesses lung function to diagnose respiratory conditions — and knowing what to expect can ease your nerves and help your appointment go more smoothly. Here’s how spirometry testing works.
What Causes Emphysema and What Can I Do About It?
Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It affects your ability to breathe and significantly impacts your quality of life. But what causes it? And if you’ve been diagnosed, what can you do about it? Get answers here.
5 Ways Primary Care Supports Your Health
Do you have a primary care provider? If not, here’s why you should. Primary care includes essential ongoing health care services to support optimal health and lower your risk of diseases, disability, and even death.
Which Type of Skin Biopsy Do I Need?
Do you have a suspicious mole or skin lesion? A skin biopsy might be the best way to diagnose your condition so you can start the right treatment plan. But which type of skin biopsy do you need? Learn about a few of the most common options here.