Wellness

How To Keep a Lid On Your High Blood Pressure

Toni Braxton has it. Oprah Winfrey has it. You might have it. The “it” is high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, (HBP) a common disease affecting about 45% of Americans, is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’ because it can lead to early death even without symptoms. But new research shows that people with HBP may be more likely to be hospitalized and become severely ill with the virus that causes COVID-19.

It is significant to note that the CARDIA Study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) shows that African-Americans are two times more likely to suffer from this disease than their white counterparts.

High blood pressure is blood pressure greater than 120/80. In fact, the most common underlying condition in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is HBP, or hypertension, according to studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Lancet and by the Centers for Disease Control.

What should those with High Blood Pressure do to stay safe?

1. Take your medication.  Right now, with social distancing in place access to your doctor may be problematic. Ask your doctor to prescribe several refills to limit traveling and standing in line. Call prescriptions in for fast pick-up or delivery.

2. Watch your diet. Right now the country is in massive upheaval. Tensions are high and its easy to self soothe with salty or sweet snacks. (Trust me we know) Resist the urge to overindulge. Mix it up with fruit and healthy nibbles. Remember all things in moderation.

3. Get up and move. Physical activity not only helps control high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), it also helps you manage your weight, strengthen your heart and lower your stress level. Invest in a smart watch to keep track of your progress. Award-winning singer Lizzo is a great inspiration for exercising at home.

Monitor your health. Just because you can’t get out doesn’t mean that you can’t keep track of your health. Whether you want to go with a more traditional Digital Blood Pressure Armband Monitor or a Portable Finger Clip Monitor you’ll get the critical readouts that you need.

Stay well.

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