High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
A high blood pressure is increasing the work of the heart. It happens when the vessels become narrowed or the volume of blood becomes too high, a normal resting blood pressure reading is 120/80.
Your systolic pressure (the first and highest number) is the pressure or force the heart places on the walls of your blood vessels as it is working/pumping with each heartbeat.
Diastolic pressure (the second and lowest number) is the lowest pressure the blood places on the walls of your blood vessels when the heart is relaxed between beats.
Both of these measurements are important.
A high systolic pressure (>140 mmHg) indicates strain on the blood vessels when the heart is attempting to pump blood into your bloodstream.
If your diastolic pressure (>90 mmHg) is high, it means that your blood vessels have little chance to relax between heartbeats.
There are certain lifestyle factors that can increase your blood pressure.
These include:
- Being obese
- A low level of physical activity,
- High intake of alcohol,
- High salt (sodium) intake
- Low potassium intake.
How can an Eatatease Dietitian help?
All of these factors can be improved upon. An Eatatease Deititian will help you with dietary advice to ensure you are optimising your diet to aid control your blood pressure.
Get PERSONALLY tailored advice about your diet and high blood pressure from one of our registered dietitians!
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