Elevated blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, is a condition that affects thousands of people each year. In fact, hypertension is commonly known in the medical world as the “silent killer” because many people are not aware that they may have elevated blood pressure levels and there are no clear symptoms. There are many risk factors that can elevate the possibility that one gets high blood pressure in their lifetime. This can range from a diet high in salt and fat and smoking to leading a sedentary lifestyle or genetics. However, one common risk factor that correlates to elevated blood pressure levels is obesity.
Blood pressure itself is defined as the pressure blood as on our arterial walls when it is flowing. Therefore, if the number is higher than the recommended 120/80 number, then this means that there is high pressure and resistance that the blood in your body has to go through in order to properly flow.
Weight loss is imperative to getting blood pressure to a healthy level. As your body weight increases, so too does your blood pressure. For those who have hypertension, a small loss such as 10 pounds can make a difference. Not only does being at an unhealthy weight increase your blood pressure, but it also puts you at risk for other conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and potentially fatal cardiovascular conditions.
In order to determine if you are at a healthy weight, you will want to discover what your body mass index (BMI) is. Your BMI is calculated by incorporating both your height and your weight. Overweight is defined as having a BMI between 25 and 29, and if you are over 30, you are considered to be obese.
Weight loss will help blood pressure levels immensely by relieving some of the pressure and resistance the blood has to go through in our body. It is imperative to practice healthy habits to not only decrease blood pressure, to maintain it at a healthy level. Being in a constant state of hypertension will increase the workload on the heart and could eventually lead to failure altogether. Obesity is a modifiable risk factor, so start practicing healthy habits today in order to augment your health.
Slim4Life can help!
Imagine losing 3 to 5 pounds every week and still feeling satisfied with your eating habits. Our dietary program incorporates the attention and skills of nutritionists, doctors, and counselors. Together, they can develop a diet that melts away pounds without making you feel lightheaded and weak.
The counselors are also there to play a supportive role. The biggest trick for most overeaters is overcoming the discomfort and hopelessness that they feel when trying to get fit. It is easy to put off weight loss for another day by listening to that pie in your fridge. But if you listen to your heart, you’ll act now to reverse years of bad eating habits.
