What type of diet is recommended for people with hypertension?
The recommended diets to lower blood pressure are those that contain foods that do not use salt for preservation (usually canned and processed foods) and, of course, do not add much salt or avoid it in the rest of the foods. As for natural products to lower blood pressure, we can include garlic, spinach, avocado, salmon, raw almonds, among others.
What is the definition of blood pressure and how is it measured?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by our circulatory system, i.e., the blood circulating through our arteries and veins, pumped from the heart to the rest of the body. When this pressure exceeds certain limits (systolic blood pressure above 140 and diastolic blood pressure above 90), we have high blood pressure. To measure blood pressure efficiently, it is done with a sphygmomanometer or more commonly known as a blood pressure monitor.
What types of exercises are safe and beneficial for people with hypertension?
Before determining the type of exercise that is beneficial for people with hypertension, it is important to note that the first week of training should be controlled, with the aim of determining the acute post-training effect, i.e., whether it increases tension levels or not. Having said that, is it better to do aerobic or anaerobic exercises? The truth is that a combination of both is best. In the case of strength exercises, the load should not exceed 50% of the maximum load, in which the subject can perform between 12 and 14 repetitions without a problem, exhaling air in both the eccentric and concentric phases (not holding the breath). In addition, it is recommended to avoid exercises where you lift the bar above your head. As for aerobic work, it is important not to raise the heart rate too high but to be able to perform continuous running at 50-60% of our heart's capacity.
What is secondary arterial hypertension, and what are its common causes?
Secondary arterial hypertension accounts for 5%-10% of cases. It is caused by a different medical condition. Among the causes are chronic kidney disease, renal-vascular disease, among others.
What are the common symptoms of hypertension, and when should I be concerned?
The problem with high blood pressure is that initially, it does not show any symptoms, which is why it is called "The Silent Killer." Therefore, regular blood pressure checks are recommended. Usually, the most common early symptoms of high blood pressure are: headaches, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, dizziness, or palpitations. In the case of experiencing such symptoms with high blood pressure, it is advisable to consult a doctor before organic damage, angina, or a heart attack occurs.
