A cardiologist has issued a warning to those taking medication for common health conditions like high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Dr Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic specialist, says that while “prevention” may seem “difficult”, it is easier than “treating heart disease.”
Fortunately, preventing the disease, which affects millions worldwide, can be as simple as making dietary changes or incorporating more exercise. Even light activities like walking.
Do you have high blood pressure or cholesterol?
Encouraging people to incorporate these simple changes into their daily routine for better health, he warns people who are “prescribed medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol”. Keen to help them “avoid the risk” he says that people need to follow their doctor’s advice and reduce their risk of a heart attack.
In his urgent warning, he cautions: “Take those medications, check your numbers and be sure that all those factors are well under control”, notes the Mayo Clinic News Network.
What are the risk factors of high blood pressure?
- your age – you’re more likely to get high blood pressure as you get older
- having close relatives with high blood pressure
- your ethnicity – you’re at higher risk if you have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background
- having an unhealthy diet – especially a diet that’s high in salt
- being overweight
- smoking
- drinking too much alcohol
- feeling stressed over a long period
Cardiologist tips for a healthier life
In his advice, he suggests that people increase their intake of vegetables and fruits to ensure they are reaching their vitamin and mineral consumption. This not only boosts energy levels but also supports heart health.
Where possible, select whole grains for fibre and nutrients and choose healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated options. One option great for this is avocado.
One gut doctor has previously shared how an avocado a day could keep the doctor away. Dr Steven Gundry says: “Avocados have become a trendy health food, but the truth is it’s an incredible superfood for your health.”
Urging people to “start incorporating it into your diet today”, he says they can “help you lose weight” adding: “Avocados help you absorb the nutrients in food” with it boasting “great monounsaturated fat and are rich in prebiotic fibres. These compounds actually help you lose weight.”
He also recommends consuming low-fat proteins such as lean meat, poultry, fish, and legumes, while reducing salt intake to help lower blood pressure. You can also have smaller portions and ensure that any treats you have are “occasional”, stressing everything in moderation is key.
“Trying to eat healthier a little bit at a time, to move around through the day, avoiding sitting for too long,” the doctor concludes.
